A Senate panel recently moved to block the funding of Dick Cheney's office because the Vice President feels he is above the law and remarked that he is not subject to rules governing the executive branch by the Congress. Democrats had a smart reply for him, if he wasn't going to submit to the law, then Congress would strip his funding.
Although the White House and Cheney tried to backtrack when the press asked questions, they are still holding firm to avoid oversight of their criminal activities. Due to that stubborness, Democrats took the initial step of cutting the VP's budget in Committee. Needless to say, it was a party-line vote. But then Senator Nelson (D?-NE) decided to reverse his vote and succumb to his conservative overlords. What a shame.
From The Times-Argus:
Nelson, who cited Fielding's letter when he changed his position, often votes with the White House, and it didn't hurt Cheney's cause that he is from Nebraska and bypassed opportunities to attack Nelson in his re-election campaign last year.
"The president has the power and authority to issue executive orders to do exactly what he wants," said Nelson, a former governor.
Cheney spokeswoman Megan McGinn said, "We are pleased to see the Senate Appropriations Committee reject this political stunt."
Ben Nelson must think we are all stupid. The President has the power to issue executive orders, but he does not have the authority to keep Dick Cheney and himself above the law. It does not work that way Senator. The Vice-President must be accountable to the people, no exceptions.
As for Megan McGinn.....the only political stunt here is Ben Nelson's submitting to his friend Dick Cheney. They may interpret cutting Cheney's funding as a stunt, but when Congress has the power of the purse and one of it's recipients refuses to follow the law, then they should be stripped of that funding.
Can someone please, please, please run against Nelson in Nebraska and replace this Bush apologist?
