This is why we really need to bring new people into Congress

[still_one]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/02/fiscal-cliff-deal-amgen-hatch_n_2607175.html


WASHINGTON -- Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch angrily defended the inclusion of a controversial provision in the fiscal cliff deal that will pay major dividends to a single biopharmaceutical company, Amgen. The top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, Hatch teamed with panel chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) to include a host of tax extenders, credits and other provisions that added billions to the price tag of the bipartisan bargain.

[Drunken Irishman]

1. Of course, here in Utah, we'd just replace Hatch with a right-wing tea-party guy (see Bennett & Lee)

[freshwest]

2. Have to talk to the people in their states. We have some good new people and bad ones.

New is not always the solution, it's a case by case basis.

[DogPawsBiscuitsNGrav]

3. Billions given to a single biopharmaceutical company, billions given to banks, billions are given to

aid and defense contracts to murder children half a world away. With all of this they're still blatantly discussing cuts to our social security, like we aren't even in the room. Houston we have a problem.

[newfie11]

5. No shit nt

[cali]

6. Not this guy: My rep Peter Welch has introduced legislation about this

Welch bill aims to claw back Amgen giveaway

If Rep. Peter Welch has his way, biotechnology giant Amgen will have to make do without a $500 million gift awarded by Congress as part of the fiscal cliff bill that passed last month.

Welch on Wednesday introduced legislation to repeal a $500 million benefit to Amgen that he said is the type of backroom deal that has given Congress a black eye.

“The fact that it was done at the midnight hour without scrutiny by people who were in a position to do it … confirms the worst suspicions that Americans have that this institution is not on the level,” Welch said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

He said it’s especially appalling given the financial struggles that Americans continue to face on a daily basis.

<snip>

http://www.timesargus.com/article/20130125/NEWS01/701259905

Another great Vermonter in Washington, representing the people (not just us Vermonters) against special interests.
I'm so glad that we replaced Bernie in the House with someone worthy. Peter is just terrific.