Reports of swine flu outbreaks have come in from five different states so far, but all Washington has caught is a contagious case of finger-pointing.
As the cable networks went 24/7 with influenza coverage Monday, liberal bloggers went after Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Arlen Specter for working to slice $780 million in pandemic planning funds from President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package.
A spokesman for Collins seemed to shift some of the blame to the Obama administration, noting the unfilled seats at the Department of Health and Human Services. The Service Employees International Union, in turn, blamed Senate Republicans for a delay in confirming HHS nominee Kathleen Sebelius.
This kind of partisan sniping, of course, is the congressional equivalent of elevator music. But what about an event that would really capture lawmakers’ attention — an appearance of the dreaded virus on Capitol Hill?
Congress’ attending physician and the House sergeant at arms are working on a plan in case a flu pandemic hits Capitol Hill. A “Dear Colleague” letter sent out Monday by the Office of the Attending Physician stressed hand washing and encouraged members to leave work if they fall ill. - Politico Story
You can blame the Republicans for cutting funding from the Stimulus. They did do that, but so what? There aren't even anybody in the Head Positions of most of the Departments that would have delegated those funds. That is Obama's fault.
You can try to blame the Republicans for holding up the HHS Secretaries Nomination. NO GO! If she would have paid her taxes then there would be no hold up. HER FAULT, not Republicans.
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