![]() "In an acrimonious year between the political parties in Washington, we cannot afford bipartisanship that occurs only when it comes to wasteful, parochial projects."īrandon Moody, a spokesman for Duffy, who in one of his first acts as a new member of Congress introduced legislation to ban earmarks, said critics are using disingenuous arguments to block the construction of a bridge they don't want to see built. "This may seem like a local issue, but federal taxpayers will be on the hook for $160 million," the taxpayers' group said in a Jan. The group also said the bill resembled an earmark, designated funding for pet projects like the Bridge to Nowhere, despite a ban on such funding. The group said "wasting cash on the boondoggle bridge" would delay action on dozens of other bridges in Minnesota and Wisconsin that need work. The group pointed out the new bridge would accommodate a daily average of 18,000 cars, while the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis cost $234 million to rebuild after it collapsed and serves 140,000 cars a day. Still, Taxpayers for Common Sense, a fiscal watchdog group in Washington, objects to the size and scope of the proposed bridge. They contend the original estimated cost in 1992 was $80 million, but the pricetag has grown as a result of delays and lawsuits. Supporters say the new bridge is needed to relieve traffic congestion. McCollum agreed the outdated lift bridge needs to be replaced, but she said there is a less costly, more practical alternative. In a "Dear Colleague" letter Tuesday, McCollum urged House members to reject the bipartisan bill because it "represents bad fiscal policy, bad transportation policy and bad environmental policy." They have likened the proposed bridge to one in Alaska that was dubbed the "Bridge to Nowhere" and became symbolic of wasteful projects inserted into spending bills by members of Congress to benefit their districts in a now-banned process known as earmarks. Betty McCollum, who represents the redrawn congressional district where the bridge would be located, have waged strenuous opposition. Scott Walker in Wisconsin.Ĭritics led by Minnesota Democrat Rep. Mark Dayton in Minnesota and Republican Gov. The measure also has the support of Democratic Gov. Amy Klobuchar and co-sponsored by Johnson passed by unanimous consent Jan. Croix River.Ī bipartisan Senate version authored by Sen. It now heads to President Barack Obama.īachmann's bill would override the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to clear the way for construction of a new bridge to replace the historic but decrepit Stillwater Lift Bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin across the St. The Senate approved the legislation in January. The House voted 339 to 80 today in favor of legislation that gives the proposed bridge at Stillwater, Minn., an exemption from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Croix River that critics condemn as a waste of money. Ron Johnson have distinguished themselves as guardians of taxpayer dollars, railing almost nonstop against excessive government spending.īut the fiscal hawkishness of the Republican freshmen has not stopped them from backing controversial legislation to clear the way for construction of a $700 million bridge across the St. Since taking their seats in Congress, Rep. ![]()
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