Congressman Cole Vows to Oppose Pork in Hurricane Relief Bill

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole joined other members of Congress today in signing a pledge to oppose any project or provision that is not directly related to the impact of Hurricane Katrina in any supplemental appropriations bill that provides funds for hurricane relief. In the past, some members of Congress have attached self-serving pork projects to fast-moving emergency spending bills that are guaranteed to pass through the House and the Senate.

"The people that were affected by Hurricane Katrina are in desperate need of help now. Adding egregious projects to legislation that's only purpose is to help the survivors, hinders those efforts. I want to assure the taxpayers in my district that I will not support any provision that allows members to take advantage of emergency relief legislation," Congressman Cole said. "Adding to the deficit by adding on pork projects not only hurts the people affected by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, it hurts our country."

The press conference was organized by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste. Following is the text of the pledge that was singed by Representative Cole earlier today:

I, Tom Cole, of the 4th district of the state of Oklahoma, hereby pledge to oppose any project or provision that is not directly related to the impact of Hurricane Katrina in any supplemental appropriations bill that provides funds for hurricane relief.

I agree that in a time of national catastrophe, it is the responsibility of the United

States Congress to take quick and decisive action to help those in need. I also agree that it is also the responsibility of the United States Congress to ensure the financial stability of the nation by being good stewards of Americans' hard-earned tax dollars.

Therefore, as Congress provides money to help victims in the Gulf States and to rebuild their lives and communities, I hereby promise the taxpayers in my district and the American people that I will oppose any and all projects or provisions unrelated to Hurricane Katrina in the supplemental appropriations bills.

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