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It's probably best to not watch sausage or legislation being made

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Much has been written about the add-ons or 'pork' in the rescue package passed by the U.S. Congress and signed President Bush.

The add-ons, which increased the bill's projected cost by $130-$165 billion, depending on the analysis, have been viewed as another example of "special interest lobbying," "sneaky ways to get pet projects passed," "ripping off the taxpayer" and/or as simply un-American.

Well, the truth is, add-ons in the United States have taken place in every Congress since the nation was founded. Further, no one really knows who made the first legislative "deal," but to say that senators in ancient Rome or officials in Greece, did not trade votes for projects or patronage would be a stretch.

"Democracy is the worst system ...

Of course, it's much more ethical -- some would call it virtuous -- to propose a bill, then get a large majority to render a decision on the program/policy/law solely on its merits, driven by whether the bill is in the nation's interest.

And likewise, add-ons/pork can increase federal spending by substantial amounts, which makes it harder for the federal government -- or any government, for that matter -- to live within its means.

... except when compared to all the rest." -- Churchill

Nevertheless, the reality is that the legislation you propose may be opposed by many, perhaps even by members of your own party. Selected others may not see it as being in the nation's interest. In fact, even though it may be a good idea, powerful interests may be organized against it. As a result, your meritorious bill may have a few more votes against it than for it. Some of these opponents are adamant: they're not voting for your bill.

Others, however, are of a mind to vote against it, but they might support it, if you can get that military research facility in my congressional district that I've been trying to get funded for ten years funded ... or if you can get that alternative minimum tax exemption extended that my constituents want, or that new hospital wing that my county desperately needs funded, or that library built at the community college, or that highway bypass finally built in Missouri. Do you know how long we in Missouri have been waiting for our highway bypass to be funded?

So in the end, what do you do, bill sponsor?

You find a way to get 13 more votes for your bill.

--

Financial Editor Joseph Lazzaro is writing a book on the U.S. presidency and the U.S. economy.

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Last updated: November 26, 2009: 05:23 PM

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