One U.S. Senate Is Enough

Posted September 7th, 2009 at 11.20am in Ongoing Priorities.

Even before Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) passed away last week, Congress approved a $5.8 million “planning and design” earmark for the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate, which would include creating a full-size replica of the Senate chamber. It would be built at the University of Massachusetts, adjacent to the JFK Presidential Library. This summer, Kennedy’s colleague, Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., added another $12.6 million earmark (still pending in Congress) to help build the memorial.

Honoring the late Senator is understandable, but there are limits on what’s a proper use of tax dollars.

According to The Boston Globe: “The center will be a shrine to the Senate, with homage to Kennedy, just as the building next door is a showcase for the presidency, with the focus on his brother John.”

Citizens Against Government Waste complained, “This pet project has already received millions of dollars from the health care industry and organized labor. Taxpayers should not be responsible for helping the project reach its $50 million fundraising goal.”

As the Associated Press noted last spring, “Local officials last year announced they were seeking up to $100 million to build the institute, which they said would focus on the Senate in general and Kennedy’s more than four decades of service to the body. The facility will be located in Boston on a four-acre plot near the JFK library. About $20 million has already been raised for the institute, including contributions from drug companies, insurance companies and hospitals. Tentative plans called for a replica of the Senate chamber itself, as well as programs to train new senators.”

One supposed use of the Kennedy Institute’s replica of the Senate chamber would be to “train” new Senators.Ed What’s wrong with on-the-job training in the genuine Senate chamber in the U.S. Capitol?

It’s a bad extension of Congress’ out-of-control practice of using earmarks to honor its own members.

There are better ways to honor Senator Ted Kennedy’s legacy. Wasting money should not be one of them.

Author: Ernest Istook
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10 Comments

September 7, 2009 Deanna 80860 writes:

Considering the spending in an already overspent government, how can this be justified? You have to wonder if there is anyone in the henhouse but the fox.

September 7, 2009 MotherRedDog writes:

Great, I don’t want the public option and I sure don’t my tax dollars to pay to glorify a man that should have been in jail, not in the Senate. How about they stop all of this foolishness and spend their money on the poor. Funny thing about liberals, they don’t seem to like to give their money to the poor, only other peoples money, and by force.

September 7, 2009 Nalora, Oklahoma City writes:

Best way to honor the late senator is to introduce the “Ted Kennedy term limits bill” into Congress.

September 7, 2009 Full Size Senate Replica writes:

[...] seems a little obscene. What would people do with a full size replica of the Senate [...]

September 7, 2009 Mell Kilpatrick, Palm Desert, CA writes:

Past and proposed legislation illustrates the ingrained adeptness of politico’s ability to deprive Americans of their inalienable rights.

Train Senators in the mold of Senator Kennedy?

September 7, 2009 Joe Schiraldi, Cedar Park,Texas writes:

Once again we see a waste of taxpayer (our) money by congress. Where does it end? Didn’t Obama promise no more earmarks? Is it any wonder that the American people are vocal at Town Halls and forums. This is just another disgrace by our congress and other elected leaders.
Keep up the writing, it helps the people keep up a good fight against Washington arrogance.
Thank you

September 7, 2009 Joe Schiraldi, Cedar Park,Texas writes:

No additional comments

September 7, 2009 Bobbie Jay writes:

I just don’t see where Mr. Kennedy inspired anyone? Or how?
Except, as all congress and the president infers, to depend on government. Which means they see the people inferior to freedom.

This is wrong! It’s wasteful. Insufficient and inefficient.

Don’t consider it or get it from private funding. Overpaid democrats and Obama could afford the funding if it means that much to them.

September 8, 2009 Sarah Abney Willard UT writes:

This is not something tax dollars should be paying for if we need a new school we have to vote on a bond but if congress wants to throw away our hard earned money they do it with out asking its whats wrong with congress we need representation. 2010! no earmarks!

September 8, 2009 One U.S. Senate Is Enough « Prayer, News & Action writes:

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