Your Tax Dollars at Work By Kimberly Robson In the wake of the tragic events of September 11th, the FY 2002 budget process has taken a drastic turn for the worse. Prior to September 11th, members of Congress were debating fiscal responsibility, President Bush’s additional request for pentagon funds, and concern for the social security surplus. Since the attacks, open debate has been exchanged for unquestioning monetary support for the pentagon and the president’s agenda, and the projected surplus has been replaced by deficits. Our nation’s priorities have changed in response to new threats in our communities; the priorities of the pentagon, however, have not changed. The House FY 2002 Defense Appropriations bill represents the status quo for military programs. It provides billions of dollars for cold-war-era weapons that will not address current and future threats. One example is a 50% increase from FY 2001 levels for missile defense programs, even while it has become obvious that a missile defense shield would not have protected our country from the terrorist attacks of September 11th. With enhanced needs in communities around the country and a “bipartisan spirit” on Capitol Hill, WAND is concerned that the needs of women and children may be overshadowed by the clamor of corporations, the pentagon, and the wealthy. WAND supports Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s bill H.R. 2999, the “First Things First” Act, which would put on hold certain parts of President Bush’s $1.35 trillion tax cut those parts that benefit only the wealthy until critical domestic needs are met. Return to index