Lawmakers defend hometown projects

[brooklynite]

WASHINGTON - Lawmakers in both parties are easily parrying attacks on their cherished home-district projects as the House moves ahead on its annual spending bills.

...snip...

Money for research into wood utilization and hydroponic tomatoes survived on Tuesday as the House approved, 378-46, a $94.5 billion agriculture spending measure for the upcoming budget year. A Senate committee will begin work on the legislation after the Memorial Day recess.

Flake focused on colleagues' pet projects, such as $726,000 for a marketing plan to showcase the greenhouse nursery of Ohio's Maumee Valley. Supporters, however, prevailed by margins exceeding 3-1 or by voice votes.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060524/ap_on_go_co/congress_spending_4

[acmejack]

1. It was a most interesting debate.

It was a rare occasion when I found myself agreeing with Congressman Flake, I had to pinch myself repeatedly. I knew I was sober, so when I found Flake and Obey on the same side of the debate I was stunned! But henry Bonilla ably protected the earmarks.

[Jed Dilligan]

2. Homer Simpson voice: "mmmmmm.... hydroponic......"

Tomatoes, that is, of course.