Hostettler (R-Ind.) says he voted against Katrina relief efforts ... [View All]

[Newsjock]

http://www.tribstar.com/articles/2005/09/19/package/package.txt
Rep. John Hostettler says he voted against Katrina relief efforts because of possible fraud, waste

By Peter Ciancone/Tribune-Star

Rep. John Hostettler made his first trip to Terre Haute's Light House Mission on Monday, touring the facility and trying to reassure its directors that federal money through a new program of faith-based and community initiatives would not interfere with the delivery of the mission's Christian message.

... In a news conference, Hostettler fielded questions about the mission. He also was questioned about his Sept. 8 vote against sending $52 billion in emergency relief funds to Katrina victims.

"No congressman or senator is showing compassion by sending tax dollars down to Katrina ," Hostettler said. He called it "compulsion."

... Hostettler was asked how he could approve more than $200 billion for the war in Iraq without asking for the same accountability. He said some of the same congressmen who complained about the war, but voted in favor of giving the president power to send in troops, are now complaining about the funds used to fight it.

"If it had been up to me, we would not have been over there in the first place," he said. Hostettler voted against sending troops. But now that they're there, he said, he does vote in favor of sending them what they need to finish the job.

more