|
Nov 19 homeland gifts Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/2002-11-20-edit2_x.htmhttp://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/2002-11-20-edit2_x.htm
11/20/2002 - Updated 05:22 AM ET
Homeland Security comes loaded with gifts
As it scrambles to adjourn, Congress made its most historic action one of the year's last. On Tuesday, the Senate joined the House in approving the biggest government reorganization since 1947: creation of a mammoth Department of Homeland Security that brings together 170,000 employees from 22 agencies to thwart terrorism on U.S. soil.
Though the lawmakers pushed soon after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to set up the new Cabinet department, its establishment was repeatedly delayed by partisan wrangling. First, President Bush resisted, saying the agency wasn't needed. After he reversed course, squabbling broke out between Republicans and Democrats over union protections for employees.
Now lawmakers are applauding the bill's final passage as an important acknowledgement of the need to protect the safety of the American public. Too bad that critical mission was muddied by their last-minute success in loading on special-interest provisions while delaying the funding needed to implement top anti-terrorist priorities.
The Senate could have stripped out some of the indefensible provisions tucked into the measure by the House last week. But it refused as it approved passage with uncharacteristic haste. Some unjustified items:
The pharmaceutical industry, which donated $35 million to the last two political campaigns, would gain protection from lawsuits over adverse side effects of vaccines. Conveniently, the restrictions would be retroactive, terminating injury cases that are already in the courts.
Makers of faulty bomb detectors, gas masks or other anti-terrorism devices would be granted immunity from liability, even in cases of intentional wrongdoing.
Companies could cover up violations of the law by hiding behind new restrictions on access to government information.
A provision inserted by incoming House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, would hand Texas A & M University the first department grant: a homeland-security research center.
Worse than these special-interest additions is the lack of adequate funding for agencies that actually will play a major role in homeland security. Congress is quitting for the year — encouraged by the White House — without delivering promised billions more for such programs as truck and nuclear-plant security, bioterrorism research and Customs operations.
GOP leaders who will soon take charge of the Senate are promising colleagues that some egregious provisions will be repealed next year. But high skepticism is in order.
Even when an issue of vital public interest is at stake, Congress can't resist playing the politics of self-interest.
|
|
