Its no wonder that Congress is held in low esteem by the American people. With the mid-term election looming closer by the day, members of Congress trying to appease their constituents, have inserted into the $725 billion defense authorization bill various social items. This is mere election gimmick that only heightens the disdain voters have for Congress.
The annual defense authorization bill provides a 1.4% pay raise for troops, and $725 billion for the Pentagon, including 159 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Democrats have added a provision that would abolish the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, and want to add the so-called Dream Act, which would provide a route for youths who are in the country illegally.
Let's have a serious debate about the various social items conveniently placed into the budget, these items should be debated on their own merits, not slipped into the defense budget. The real debate is, if Congress has the stomach for it, is supporting Secretary of Defense Roberts Gates' mission to overhaul the Pentagon budget. Unfortunately, Washington complains about the Pentagon budget but they also benefit when defense dollars come home to their states or districts.
It's time to get serious about reforming Pentagon spending and not divert funds into social issues which should be debated on their own merit. Study up and sharpen your voting pencils, it's time to send a message to Congress!
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