War Bill Helps Iraqis, May Ignore Katrina Victims, page 1

War Bill Helps Iraqis, May Ignore Katrina Victims

www.rawstory.com

A long way from Iraq and the war debate in Washington, Herman Moore sat outside a tent in a downtown New Orleans homeless camp, trying to make sense of a proposal that helps Iraqi war refugees but will likely exclude Hurricane Katrina victims.

"Messed up is not the phrase. I think you know the phrase," Moore said. "This place has been forgotten, just forgotten."

The 56-year-old lifelong city resident is referring to Congress' plan to spend $212 billion to finance the war in Iraq. In the massive spending bill, $350 million is set aside to help Iraqi refugees while just $73 million has been allotted to help shelter physically and mentally disabled Katrina victims — and that money could be cut as early as Tuesday.

More awesome prioritization of our tax-dollar allocations from our ever "removed-from-this-nation" government. Keep funneling billions into this illegal occupation that the vast majority of Americans are opposed to, while shafting your own nation. This has just become outright sickening anymore...All of these people's agendas and priorities have become transparent, and they really don't even care what we, the "little people" have to say anymore...

Along with funding the war through the first month of the next president's term, the bill provides Jordan's military $100 million and Mexico's armed forces $50 million. In response, lawmakers like Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu have attached over $30 billion to the proposal for what they see as domestic priorities.

However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi must trim the bill or face a threatened veto from President Bush. While the California Democrat supports the housing money for 3,000 rent-aid vouchers, it is part of $2.9 billion in Katrina assistance that may end up being cut.