Mistakes on a Plane

From the Republican Study Committee:

According to the list of earmarks in the Committee Report for the Financial Services Appropriations Bill, the very first request listed is for the ”Abraham Lincoln National Airport Commission.” Sounds noble – until you realize it's for an airport that doesn't exist run by a congressional staffer on Rep. Jackson's payroll. Sounds noble – until you realize that it's for an airport that doesn't exist run by a congressional staffer on Rep. Jackson's payroll.

According to its website, the Airport Commission “has a mandate from its members to plan, develop, finance, construct and operate a commercial airport with passenger and cargo facilities near University Park, Illinois.” In short, the Commission is dedicated to developing a third airport in the Chicago area.

Specifically, this earmark would direct $231,000 – taken from taxpayers’ pockets across America – for “Minority and Small Business Development and Procurement Opportunities.” It seems rather curious that an airport that doesn’t yet exist would need to develop opportunities for minorities & small businesses.

Why Request Such an Earmark?

It is impossible to know the reason behind each of the 32,000+ earmarks that have been requested this year. According to its own website, the Executive Director of the Lincoln Airport Commission is Richard Bryant. According to Housnet (internal house server) and the Congressman’s Official House website, (and several other websites) Rick Bryant is on the staff of Rep. Jesse Jackson. Legistorm.com, a website that tracks congressional staff and salaries, lists Richard Bryant as the Deputy District Administrator for Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

2006 - Congressman Jackson “Won’t Pursue Federal Funds”
2007 – Congressman Jackson Pursing Federal Funds

According to its website, the new airport is supported by Illinois Rod Governor Blagojevich (D). The reason? The Governor is enthused by the Commission’s mission to use private funds instead of federal taxpayer dollars. In other words, the entire reason for the Commission is to raise money so the airport doesn’t have to rely on federal taxpayer dollars.

Governor Rod Blagojevich

“…the Abraham Lincoln National Airport at Peotone will not compete with O'Hare for needed federal dollars, and during tough fiscal times like these, his (Jackson's) plan to use private investment is both a welcome and innovative way to build an airport. I strongly support it’.”

(Abraham Lincoln Airport Commission Website)

He’s not alone. Congressman Jackson, the Congressman requesting this earmark, also is enthused about this project. So enthused, in fact, that he promised not to seek federal funds.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

“I firmly believe that the best way -- and only way -- to finance this airport is through the private sector. The evolving global aviation industry is increasingly reliant on private financing, and that makes sense.

The beauty of private financing is that it comes with no cost or risk to taxpayers, yet airport revenues can be used to improve local communities. It's a win-win for taxpayers. The FAA understands. The State understands. ALNAC understands. The private sector understands.

So even with the change of leadership in Congress, I won't pursue federal funds for the Abraham Lincoln National Airport. Chicago's share of federal dollars are already committed to O'Hare modernization.”

(Rep. Jackson’s official website, 11/16/2006)

Thankfully, Congressman John Campbell (R-CA), Chairman of the RSC Budget and Spending Taskforce, will offer an amendment that will protect taxpayers by prohibiting their dollars from being used for this EXTREMELY questionable earmark.

Campbell will ensure that Congress debates whether taxpayers across America should have their hard-earned dollars handed to the Airport Commission of a non-existent airport, whose Executive Director serves staff of the member requesting the taxpayer handout.

Is this the New Accountability Promised By Speaker Pelosi?

Is this a Proper Use of Tax Payer Dollars?

Sounds More Like Mistakes on a Plane.