Waxman writes Jeb Bush about role in facilitating Carnival contract

[kpete]

Waxman writes Jeb Bush about role in facilitating Carnival contract
RAW STORY
Published: February 28, 2006

After e-mails emerged indicating that Florida Governor and Presidential Brother Jeb Bush had a role in facilitating a $236 billion Katrina aid contract between Carnival Cruise Lines and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) has sent a letter to Bush inquiring about the extent of his contacts with the vacation cruise company, RAW STORY has learned.

The letter, in full, follows:

#
February 28, 2006

The Honorable Jeb Bush

Governor of Florida

The Capitol 400 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, Fl. 32399

Dear Governor Bush:

I am writing to request information about your role in the award of a $236 million federal contract to Carnival Cruise Lines in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This boondoggle contract, which comes to an end this week, has cost federal taxpayers an enormous amount to provide temporary six-month housing aboard Carnival's ships.

On September 2, 2005, Military Sealift Command awarded Carnival Cruise Lines three contracts worth a combined $236 million to provide temporary housing for Hurricane Katrina evacuees. On October 20, I wrote to Secretary Chertoff expressing concerns about the cost of the Carnival Cruise Line contracts. Based on the occupancy of the ships at that time, I estimated that it would cost more than $214,000 to house a family of five for the full six months. Although occupancy levels rose slightly after I wrote to Secretary Chertoff, they fell again at the end of 2005. It now appears that the contracts will cost federal taxpayers almost $240,000 to provide temporary shelter for a family of five.<1> At this price, the federal government could have built permanent homes for the families.

rest of letter at:
http://rawstory.com/news/2006/Waxman_writes_Jeb_Bush_about_role_0228.html

[Roland99]

1. $214,000 would buy one HECKUVA home here.

[wakeme2008]

2. Jeb will stonewall this

but the question needs to be asked HOW MUCH speaking fees will Jeb get from Carnivale when he leaves office. :grr: