The Stakeholder
Rep. Hoekstra (R-MI) Fundraising Off Attempted Terrorist Attack
THE HEIGHT OF CRAVENNESS.... Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R), the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee and a Republican gubernatorial candidate in Michigan, has been desperately trying to exploit the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas for political gain. But even by Hoekstra's low standards, this is one of the more craven displays of any politician this year.
Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI) is now jumping upon the Northwest Airlines attack -- and using it to raise money for his gubernatorial campaign, the Grand Rapids Press reports.
Ryan Rudominer, National Press Secretary for the DCCC issued this response:
"Time and again, Congressional Republicans refuse to back up their tough talk about national security with a vote to actually keep Americans safe. Instead of shamelessly trying to raise campaign cash off the plot to blow up a plane and kill innocent Americans on Christmas, Ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee Pete Hoekstra should look in the mirror and ask why he and 107 of his House Republican colleagues recently voted against strengthening airport security."
BACKGROUND: 108 House Republicans Say No to Keeping Americans Safe
- The Homeland Security Appropriations bill increases funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to strengthen security at America’s airports [H.R. 2892, #784, 10/15/09].
- The measure provides $7.7 billion for the TSA, which is more than $678 million above FY2009 levels. It includes:
- $778.3 million to purchase explosive detection systems.
- $122.8 million to improve air cargo screening, including the hiring of 50 new inspectors to ensure compliance with the 9/11 Act.
