WHouse reviews Iraq funding after charge of mispending

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N19273418.htm

WASHINGTON, April 19 (Reuters) - The White House denied any wrongdoing on Monday in the use of funding to prepare for the war in Iraq after a book alleged the money was diverted from operations in Afghanistan without Congress' knowledge.

White House spokesman Scott McClellan insisted that Congress was "fully informed" of how the money was spent.

He said emergency spending legislation after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks gave the administration "broad discretion" on how the funding could be used. snip

To further guard the secrecy, Bush funded the war preparations with $700 million that was earmarked for Afghanistan and old appropriations.

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[Skittles]

1. it's like Iran Contra all over again

however, we need a bj for the real investigations to begin.

[displacedtexan]

2. I'm sure the families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan are thrilled...

to learn that Bushco had "broad discretion" spending powers.

[Just Me]

3. I specifically recall Sen. Byrd furiously opposing a "blank check",

and I am certain language was inserted by the administration to allow "broad discretion". However, bottom-line is that, they have proven themselves culpable enough to abuse any discretion too generously given by Congress. I still believe that this misapplication of funds is a form of illegal misappropriation.

[gristy]

4. I posted on this on Saturday,

when news.google had just 23 hits on this subject:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=492155
It is now up to 48. Why there are not hundreds of hits I do not know.