Biden: This economic recovery package will not become a Christmas tree

[Thrill]

WASHINGTON – With President-elect Barack Obama's team scrambling to shape a massive new economic stimulus package, Vice President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday ruled out pet projects and special interest spending.

"It's important for the American taxpayer to know that this is not going to be politics as usual and we will not tolerate business as usual in Washington," Biden said at the start of a meeting at transition headquarters of Obama's top economic staff.

"I know it's Christmas, and I know it's the Christmas season," he said, "but President-elect Obama and I are absolutely, absolutely determined that this economic recovery plan will not become a Christmas tree."

Biden said "there will be no earmarks" in the proposal — referring to the sort of special-interest projects that members of Congress often attach to various pieces of legislation.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081223/ap_on_go_pr_wh/biden_stimulus;_ylt=AsUN1lICNaflfwY83BMtwruyFz4D

[bdamomma]

1. So glad Joe is there.

[OwnedByFerrets]

2. I am a skeptic. Good luck getting any bills passed without

greasing palms. Its the way its done.....past, present and future.

[elleng]

3. I'm HAPPY to see Joe looking at summers

with what I choose to call SKEPTICISM!

[nevergiveup]

4. The last picture is priceless

Joe is reaching his hand behind Summers as if he is going to smack him in the back of his head.