Thanks Sen. Byrd, no, we're fine...really

[Debi]

:eyes:

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2008/07/24/news/politics/10493101.txt

Congress has delayed consideration of a bill that includes disaster aid for Iowa, prompting criticism from state lawmakers.The delay, until after Congress' August recess, will leave people and businesses devastated by tornadoes and flooding in limbo.

"Congress doesn't seem to understand the devastation. We've got an emergency, and Congress needs to respond," Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said. "If my colleagues doubt me that this is an emergency, I'm in Iowa every weekend and I'll be happy to show them around

<snip>


In a statement, Sen. Robert Byrd, D-West Virginia, said the Senate was busy debating legislation on housing, energy, defense policy and taxes before the recess and "there is no opportunity to begin consideration of a supplemental appropriations bill during the next 10 days."

Congressional Democrats said they would continue to push for the bill. "Many of our communities have been affected by the recent floods and thousands of Iowans are struggling to get back on their feet," Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, said.

Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said final passage wouldn't have occurred until August anyway but the delay is still unwelcome news. He said he would look for other legislative vehicles to which to attach the funding request. It's not clear how much money would be in the bill for disaster aid. Representatives for Harkin and Grassley have also declined to say how much they requested.

[Counciltucky]

1. I bet if it was in West Virginia it'd be a different story...

n/t

[Debi]

2. Bet if he were a Democrat it'd be different....

oh, wait.....:yoiks:

[4dsc]

6. I hope you aren't questioning Senator Byrd's motives

or anything else about this great democratic leader.. Senator Byrd has stood up to this administration much more than any person from Iowa, some who should hang their heads in shame when meeting fellow democrat's.

So more aid not coming TODAY!! Christ, we cannot SPEND IT ALL in one day of even in the month of August.. More aid should be on its way and we will just have to wait for it...

[Debi]

7. Read post #5 n/t

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

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[Critters2]

8. Oh please. He's notorious for bringing pork into his state.

That's how he keeps getting elected to go on being "this great democratic leader".

[justgamma]

3. Betcha' they'll rush

right in to give Texas some relief. After all that is puke country.

[Blue Gardener]

4. Talked to a FEMA guy at the fair this week

He said he was from Florida, and had no idea how bad the weather could be in Iowa. He had just returned from seeing the damage from the straight line winds Monday morning in southeast Iowa.

[Debi]

5. W/CF Courier editorial response to Byrd's stalling

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2008/07/25/opinions/editorial/10493653.txt

<snip>

We'd also like to remind the senator of his comments just last month after areas in West Virginia were ravaged by storms.

"Once again, West Virginia has suffered at the hand of Mother Nature," Byrd said. "Every moment counts in the recovery efforts, and every little bit of help is crucial. I appreciate the willingness of the Bush Administration to extend relief to additional counties in our state. This wise decision will bring much needed FEMA aid to these struggling communities so they can begin the difficult task of rebuilding."

Just to reiterate: "Every moment counts," was his plea then.

He had previously written to the president asking for a disaster declaration as soon as possible, as the damage was "beyond the capabilities of the State of West Virginia and the affected local governments."

Sounds very similar to the situations faced today by many Iowa communities, businesses, families and individuals.

It appears Byrd's view on timely assistance doesn't extend to the Midwest.

<snip>


The Courier got a little snarky and offered up this:


Sen. Byrd's Web page is www.byrd.senate.gov. An e-mail address can be found there. If you feel compelled to leave him a message, please make it brief. We would hate to take up too much of his time.