If you've been following the news or reading my posts the past few days, you're aware of the intent to purchase 8 jet for Congress for $550 million.
Well, there has been a pull-back but not as far as it seems.
First, Americans are outraged at the very idea of Congress getting these types of perks - corporate jets to fly them all over the world - let alone the idea of buying 8 more - regardless of whether they are newer, supposedly more efficient, or whatever.
Second, the Pentagon originally requested 4 new planes at a cost of $220 million.
Third, the House - never one to overlook a good thing - quietly (at first, until we got wind of it) doubled the request to 8. Guess they thought no one would notice, and after all, they are entitled to such luxury.
Fourth, the Pentagon has repeatedly insisted that they didn't request and don't want the extra 4 planes.
Fifth, today John Murtha, Chair or the Housing Defense Spending Committee, said that he thinks the planes are a great idea but that if the Pentagon doesn't want them, they will take the expenditure out of the bill.
Conclusion, Congress is still buying 4 planes at a cost of $220 million. The Pentagon will "own" them but they mostly are for Congressional use.
Did you catch that? It sounded like they were scraping the whole idea of buying more planes. No, just the ones that weren't requested.
Congress still wins, and we lose.
───
For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
© Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.
Steve,
That is cheery news. Always good when the government decides to save us money.
John Murtha, will just have to take over the first four aircraft now!
Steve,
We don't have the $220 either - they just didn't commit to spending more. :)
Steve
Paul,
If the Pentagon really needed them for the military fine. I'd say no Congesspeople allowed. :)
Steve
Murtha needs those planes to fill up the "pork barrel airport" he supports in his district--the one that has almost no air traffic.
Hi Steve
The country needs jobs not four jets, take the $220,000 million and create real new jobs in our closed factories.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
John,
You could be right. Forgot about that bustling airport. :)
Steve
Lou,
That is an excellent point. If it cost $100,000 to create each new job (first year's salary, training, equipment, etc.) that translates to 2.2 million new jobs. Move up or down as you change the $100,000 figure, but the number of potential new jobs is sizable. :)
Steve
Wow, private transportation and elitist health benefits...
Linda,
No wonder they want to do this forever. :)
Steve
Steve - I didn't get that Congress was going to use the jets being ordered - I had thought that they abandoned that idea. Thanks for the heads up. The insanity continues. Aaarrrgggh.
Jim,
You have to watch that Congressional math. All they did was take away what they added on - the original still remains. However, we're supposed to think that it all went away. :)
Steve
Steve: It's time for an overhaul in our government. These elected officials do more for themselves in one day than they will do for us in one year.
Chris Ann,
I think you have discovered the Congressional slogan. Great job, unfortunately. :)
Steve
I'm thinking more and more that being a US Congressman is the greatest job in the world. So many benefits and so much time off.
Karl,
I agree. And nothing really to do. Don't have to read the bills, just vote as you are told, show up when you want, blame it on your staff, travel around the world, work out in the gym - life is good. :)
Steve
And the pay is darn good. Where do I sign up?
Karl,
I hear that there are going to be several hundred openings next year. :)
Steve