Sen. Shelby criticizes proposed NOAA cuts

[Syrinx]

WASHINGTON | Republican Sen. Richard Shelby criticized the White House on Thursday for proposing to cut spending on the federal agency that researches weather and tracks violent storms like those that struck southeastern Alabama last week.

The budget plan that President Bush submitted to Congress last month calls for about $3.8 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, roughly $100 million less than this year. Among other things, NOAA houses the National Weather Service.

Shelby, the top-ranking Republican on the appropriations subcommittee that oversees the spending, said the recent Alabama storms and Gulf Coast hurricanes illustrate the need for improved research and technology.

But, the Tuscaloosa native said, “Congress continually receives a budget request from the administration that downplays critical science activities."

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070309/NEWS/703110333/1007/NEWS02

Wow, with Shelby criticizing the administration, maybe we can officially declare Bush a lame duck!

[DemKR]

1. Shelby was a democrat

and then switched in 1994. He has a solid right-wing record, but every once in awhile he can surprise you.

[Syrinx]

2. yes

Sometimes he votes in a way that pleases me, but usually, when he does, it's because the vote is likely to benefit his law firm or other business interests. At least that's the way it seems to me. Still, he is light-years better than Jeff Sessions.