Editorial

Symbolic cuts

Criticism of congressional spending bills has increased sharply this year as the art of finessing funding for pork-barrel projects has reached new heights. A new symbol of spending excess was created: the bridge to nowhere.

Actually, the proposed bridge would connect Ketchikan, Alaska, and the sparsely populated Gravina Island (where the area's airport is located). That bridge and another one in Anchorage were earmarked to receive $425.5 million.

But when the spending bill came up for final action earlier this month, legislators acknowledged the "bridge to nowhere" black eye and removed the earmarks for both Alaska bridge projects. This gave legislators the fallback position for responding to questioning constituents at home.

But Alaska will still get the $425.5 million. It just won't be designated for the two bridges that generated so much controversy. Instead, says U.S. Sen. Kit Bond of Missouri, Alaska will be able to use the funding for other transportation projects.

Meanwhile, a strong push is being made by proponents in Ketchikan and Anchorage to make sure the money is used for the two proposed bridges, even without the earmarks.

The message from Congress would have been much clearer if legislators had voted to cut some spending -- really cut it -- and pass the savings along to taxpayers.

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