Lou Barletta's spending spree

I have received a series of press releases from Congressman Lou Barletta recently that call for more spending by the federal government that will benefit Northeastern Pennsylvania and the country. No mention of deficits or a way to pay for it (taxes).

Rep. Barletta votes to increase veterans' benefits

“Our veterans deserve the very best care and compensation we can provide, and this legislation will make sure that our veterans with service-connected disabilities receive a much-needed and well-deserved cost-of-living adjustment this year,” Rep Barletta said.

Can't argue with that but it will increase the deficit.

Rep. Barletta calls for disaster relief funding for farmers

“Our nation's farmers have experienced a rise in natural disasters this year, including tornadoes, droughts, floods, hurricanes, tropical storms earthquakes, and most recently, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. While farmers are normally able to recover from crop losses, the intensity and volume of this year's natural disasters has threatened their very livelihoods."

Can't argue with that but it will increase the deficit.

Rep. Barletta supports increased funding for LIHEAP

“Thousands of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania rely on LIHEAP to stay warm during the winter months. With the lagging economy and the high cost of energy, I’m very concerned that the most needy in our communities have access to the valuable benefits LIHEAP provides,” Rep. Barletta said. “We’re barely into November, and we’ve already had unseasonably cold temperatures and a heavy snowfall. I worry about how the most vulnerable members of my district will be able to stay warm in what seems like will be a long, cold season. Keeping or increasing LIHEAP funding might save lives, and it’s the right thing to do.”

Barletta is proposing to spend more money on this program than than the Obama Administration budgeted. Can't argue with that but it will increase the deficit.

Barletta bill will lower federal disaster relief loan rates to 1 percent for homeowners and business owners


"When disaster strikes anywhere in the world, the United States is the first country to help rebuild. But now that a disaster occurred here in our own backyard, we must start rebuilding here. Let’s help Americans first. We must restore American lives, save American businesses, and protect American jobs.”

Shades of Dan Flood when he got 1% SBA loans after the Agnes flood. Good for him.

Rep. Barletta announces federal buyouts for Plymouth Township

“These buyouts are good news for Plymouth Township residents who have been seeking this news for a very long time. I’m pleased and proud to tell these families that they will no longer have to suffer through repeated flooding and the process of rebuilding their lives,” Rep. Barletta said. “I hope these families will be able to live without worrying about flooding ever again, and I wish them well.”

This program has been around for some time but Congress has not fully funded it and it will increase the deficit.

Is Barletta trying to emulate long time 10th CD Congressman Joe McDade by voting for every tax cut but vote for every spending program that brings home the pork?