There are many provisions of HR 1 that are good, such as wanting to search/screen one hundred percent of all cargo coming in to the USA, which, while impossible and costly, is admirable. It would slow down international commerce tremendously, but, the symbolism is good.
Providing redress for those on no fly lists also makes sense.
But, what else did the Democrats slip in to the Bill?
Funds for Muslim schoolchildren: 9/11 commission member Tim Roemer praised Democrats on Monday for introducing a bill that would ensure "progress on winning hearts and minds around the world." Democrats plan to create an International Arab and Muslim Youth Opportunity Fund that would invest in public education in Arab and Muslim countries. No word in the bill on how much such an effort would cost.
US News and World Report is not kidding. They aren't exagerating. Read it all for yourself.
Now, the biggie.
Interesting question on Section 1421, which reads, under "(a) Findings- Congress finds the following:"
(3) It is in the national security interests of the United States to promote democracy, the rule of law, good governance, sustainable development, a vigorous civil society, political freedom, protection of minorities, independent media, women's rights, private sector growth, and open economic systems in the countries of the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Is that not what President George W. Bush is doing in Iraq, as well is in the general Middle East/Southern Asia areas, which the Democrats have railed against since even before the war started?
BTW, there sure are a lot of sections where Congress is telling the Secratary of State to submit all sorts of studies and plans within 90/180 days. Passing the buck.
Hat Tip to Right Wing News' Daily News for 1/10/07
Captain Ed writes: "Also to no one's surprise, the Democrats wasted no time in opposing Bush's new strategy even before he has a chance to announce it. Democrats debated methods of blocking troop transfers in Congress, a move that even their own people warned would be an unconstitutional infringement on the powers of the commander-in-chief."
Well, let's see what the Democrats actually did with an interesting Bill that was submitted
H.R.353
Title: To prohibit the use of funds for an escalation of United States forces in Iraq above the numbers existing as of January 9, 2007.
Sponsor: Rep Markey, Edward J. [MA-7] (introduced 1/9/2007)
Markey is, yup, you guessed it, a Democrat. Unconstitutional. This is what I would call pre-surrender legislation. Probably deserves a post of its own.
Also, amusing
H.R.344
Title: To ensure that Federal emergency management funds are not used for crisis counseling, recreation, or self esteem building classes or instruction.
Sponsor: Rep Feeney, Tom [FL-24] (introduced 1/9/2007)
Funny. And poingnant.
[…] The Puppy Blender has a question: have the Democrats not complained for years about George "Still The President" Bush pushing Democracy in the Middle East/Southern Asia, particularly in Iraq? I'm pretty darn sure they have. Yet, in the Dems Intelligence Bill, HR 1, we get this, in Section 1421, as highlighted by Pirate's Cove (3) It is in the national security interests of the United States to promote democracy, the rule of law, good governance, sustainable development, a vigorous civil society, political freedom, protection of minorities, independent media, women's rights, private sector growth, and open economic systems in the countries of the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. […]