"It is inexcusable and irresponsible to get bogged down in distraction and delay while millions of Americans are being put out of work; It is time for Congress to act. It is time to pass an Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Plan to get our economy moving again...” President Barack Obama in a speech on February 6, 2009
I am becoming dismayed with the speed at which the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan is moving toward passage. We all would like to see something done to help revive our economy. But, exactly what is in this legislation?
I decided to spend some time yesterday attempting to find out. I searched for about two hours and never could find an understandable summary of what has been passed by the House and being debated and amended by the Senate.
I did go to the House of Representatives web sit and pulled up a copy of HR-1, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. You can search the bill on The Library of Congress—Thomas.
I then searched on the US Senate web site. There are no less than 468 possible amendments listed to HR-1.
Again, exactly what is in this legislation?
I continued searching for specifics, a summary if you will. Then I came across a blog written by Michelle Malkin, which as of yesterday afternoon the specifics of the Collins/Nelson compromise amendment was 
not even available for any one to see.
Within a few minutes I heard Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Senator from Texas, on TV. She stated she had not even seen the language of the amendment. Oh my God!
Then just this morning I found an update, again on Michelle Malkin’s blog, with the amendment. This is a 778 page document!
How can we possibly know exactly what is in this legislation?
This is an omnibus spending bill. This is not an economic stimulus package.
Why can’t Congress just deal with Economic Stimulus items and then deal with other spending initiatives later?
We know why. This is their opportunity to load us up with pork and agenda that the American people would not support.
Are you aware that 50% of the TARP money has not even been distributed!
What is the rush? Beware folks; we are being sold down the river.
I agree with President Obama, that the situation is serious. But I believe it is inexcusable and irresponsible 
to rush through a $850+ billion spending bill.
I have emailed my representative and senators the following:
What in the world are you people thinking? I've just spent a few minutes looking at HR-1
Why can't Congress deal with the issues at hand? This is not about economic stimulus. This is an omnibus spending bill.
There may well be provisions that are worthy. But are they not worthy of debate and public scrutiny?
Congress is going to rush through close to a trillion in spending under the guise of a crisis. Didn't we do this just 4 months ago?
Vote no.
Your Comments Are Welcome!
Jay Williams
www.myhomeloanwithjay.com
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I too have been emailing my senators and house reps. Spending on pork is not the solution and rushing a bill through without disclosure is more of the same, not the change I voted for and want. Where is the disclosure and transparency? I agree we need to get it right. I really can get worse and that's the last thing we need right now.