Not just NASCAR - McCollum proposes cuts to military bands, musical equipment, performances

[The Straight Story]

McCollum proposes cuts to NASCAR ads, military bands and Cuban broadcasting

...

McCollum also introduced an amendment to limit spending to $200 million per year on "military bands, musical equipment, or musical performances." The Pentagon told McCollum's office it currently spends $339 million annually on military bands, $305 million of which goes to personnel costs.

"The congresswoman believes that anything in excess of $200 million is excessive," Harper said, noting that a $78 million program to support homeless veterans was put on the chopping block by House Republicans.

The House continues to debate amendments on the government spending bill tonight and Harper expected votes on McCollum's amendments tomorrow.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2011/02/mccollum_propos.shtml

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Homeless vets= spent rounds.

from the GOP POV, they should have had the good sense to die already.

That is the way they think

[The Straight Story]

2. Yep - promise folks a lot of things, then when it comes time to pay - balk and cut

then try to blame the people you promised for being upset.

[msongs]

3. military does not need marching bands - paraders can wear ipods tuned to the same song nt

[eleny]

4. That feels like something out of Twilight Zone

[dhill926]

5. well.......if they're in the band.....

at least they ain't shooting anybody......

[jmowreader]

6. I have a better idea

Quit outsourcing our service support to KBR and Dyncorp, and we'll have all the money we need for marching bands.

However, I can definitely see getting rid of the US Army Soldier Show and Tops in Blue--touring troupes of military performers that are used to "attract attention to the military." Last I checked the primary function of the military was NOT to go to the Centerville Arena and sing.