Get enough special interests behind a government program and it'll stick around no matter how many politicians preach about cutting waste, fraud, and pork. Take the Advanced Technology Program.
It gives your tax money to big companies for high-tech research. You'd think they could afford to pay for their own research and development. The President does.
Last year, President Bush proposed cutting 65 programs in his budget. He got all but one -- that one that gives big businesses your money. This year, ATP is spending $136 million of your tax dollars.
Getting rid of all 65 programs President Bush wanted to eliminate last year would have saved $4.9 billion -- still only about two-tenths fo 1% of the federal budget. It's only a little more than 1% of last year's deficit.
No matter what a Congressman's party, power brings with it increased campaign contributions -- and owing a certain debt to special interests. And spending on special interests' pet projects sticks around -- regardless of who's in power.
"As Republicans, we used to ridicule Democrats for spending. But now we're in power, and we've perfected the practice," says Rep Jeff Flake (R-AZ).
President Bush is trying again this year to kill the ATP. He's got a bigger hit list, too -- 150 programs for cuts or elimination. (USA Today via Yahoo!)
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