jonny5
DP Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2012
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- Republic of Florida
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- Political Leaning
- Libertarian
Im referring to H.R. 1 which, which in addition to spending 650 billion on defense, adds another 60 billion in specific funding related to natural disasters. My answer is no. First off, the federal govt does not have the power to spend money on flood insurance, transportation other than post roads, housing, flooding or small business loans. Second, it is individuals responsibility first to avoid risk from nature, and if deciding to take that risk, to cover their losses when damages occur (with local govt or charity if they choose). Third, the country is already borrowing a trillion dollars a year. If people want it to spend money on this, they should raise the revenue seperately through a special tax or cut spending to cover the additional spending. Fourth, this should not be bundled with the defense appropriations. It is not germane and it puts pressure on representatives to play political games.
To put it another way, if the govt succeeds in raising taxes on the rich, that additional revenue will already be spent by this one bill.
To put it another way, if the govt succeeds in raising taxes on the rich, that additional revenue will already be spent by this one bill.
-$9.7 billion in new borrowing authority for the National Flood Insurance Program to pay claims filed by homeowners and businesses.
— $11.5 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund.
— $10.8 billion for the Transportation Department's Public Transportation Emergency Relief fund for assistance to subway, commuter rail and public bus systems.
— $17 billion for Community Development Block Grants administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, with $15 billion designated for disaster relief and restoration and the other $2 billion for mitigation to reduce future risks.
— $5.35 billion for Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure projects including $3.5 billion for mitigation projects to reduce future flooding risks.
— $760 million for the Small Business Administration's disaster loan program.
— $921 million for highway and bridge repairs funded through the Federal Highway Administration.
Sandy aid passes Senate but House action uncertain
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