Meet Congress' "King Of Pork"

Congressman Jack Murtha Has Earmarked Millions For His District, But What's That Taxpayer Money Buying?

(CBS)  Congressman Jack Murtha is one of the most influential powerbrokers in Washington.

According to an estimate by Taxpayers for Common Sense, he's steered more than $600 million in earmarks to his Pennsylvania district in the past four years and $2 billion since 1992. But what's been good for Murtha and his district is not always good for taxpayers.

Top defense lobbyists recently flocked to a high-priced fundraiser at the Ritz in Virginia, all for Congressman John Murtha, the head of the House committee on military spending. This year alone, Murtha gave out nearly $160 million dollars in earmarks -- grants of money without the normal public review.

“Every private entity that received an earmark from Rep. Murtha gave him a contribution. A campaign contribution,” Ryan Alexander for Taxpayers for Common Sense told CBS News correspondent Sharyl Attkisson.

Murtha helped set up the non-profit Concurrent Technologies in his hometown of Johnstown, Pa. Among the things they do is help others get federal money. They should know, they get $200 million in federal grants each year.

Murtha alone doled out nearly $12 million in earmarks to Concurrent this year. Concurrent pays big bucks to PMA, a lobby firm started by a former Murtha committee staffer. Both and Concurrent employees give generously to Murtha's campaigns.

More mysterious is Murtha's million-dollar earmark to the "The Center for Instrumented Critical Infrastructure."

“We don’t even know if it even exists,” says anti-earmark Congressman Jeff Flake (R-AZ).

Back in July 2007, Flake had questions when he found no record of the Center. Murtha wasn’t there, so a colleague spoke for him.

The response to the question of whether the Center actually exists came from Congressman Pete Visclosky, D-Ind.: “At this time I do not know. But if it does not exist, the money cannot go to it.”

Congressman Murtha wouldn't tell CBS News if the Center exists... or agree to an interview.

His most notorious project is the government agency that the government doesn't want: The National Drug Intelligence Center, also in Murtha's hometown. Every year the White House tries to close it because they already have a Drug Intelligence Center. But Murtha keeps the duplicate open using half-a-billion dollars in earmarks.

“You want to drive a stake through its heart but you can’t,” says Leslie Paige for Citizens Against Government Waste. “Because Congressman Murtha continues to put this in.”

Murtha's power plays are no surprise to those who've followed him since the 1980s bribery scandal known as ABSCAM. An undercover tape shows him bragging about his power, saying, “I’ve got as much influence in that goddamned Congress with the leadership and the White House as anyone in Congress... I know the right people and I know the system.”

Three decades later, Murtha not only knows the system; he's mastered it.

[sistatee-2009]

Murtha has perfected robbing the poor to give to the rich.

[kansas1946]

Can anyone say "term limits?" Although, I have always been philosophically uncomfortable with term limits, I think that Washington has become so corrupt that term limits are going to be part of the answer. When these guys stay in power for decades, they just get more and more arrogant and corrupt. Their home district will just keep reelecting them because it is advantageous for them to do so. If there are any honest senators or reps, their districs will suffer in favor of the corrupt ones. I think term limits is an idea whose time has come.

[s1ckd09]

Hmmmm... where are the normal people that claim about the corruption of govt? Oh wait.... this is a Democrat doing what Democrats do... nothing to see here, move along, move along...

[rational_1]

When it comes to taxpayer-funded spending sprees Hillary will be Murtha on steroids!

[notopennshut]

So Pelosi supported him to be the #2, but he failed! Now Murtha is Hillary''s staunchest supporter, and she would support him in return! See the vicious cycle of how Washington old-timers and insiders behave? We should kick all these people out. While people are losing homes and many dying from lack of health care and good food, these old-timers like Murtha, Stevens from Alaska and his bridge to nowhere, are spending taxpayers money on frivolous stuff instead of what is doing good for the country. Remember this, all you voters in November. WE need to get rid of all these "fat pigs" and do a clean sweep so that we can return this country to what it should be.

[rebelscout]

EXACTLY!! If you keep the old guard in you get the same old $hit! KICK THEM ALL OUT!!

[karutam]

This is not about democrats or republicans! See how many republican have had to "resign" in the past few years due to corruption. Most of them, democrats and republicans are as corrupt as many thirds world leaders!!! Or maybe even worse!! So don''t blame it on any one party - it affects both equally. It is the Washington politics as usual. Everyone wants a piece, and now seeing how the Clintons can reap hundreds of millions, there should be a "surge" of washington-bound politicians. Sure, it''s all "honest" money, and they rightfully earned it, that is, until someone is caught. Is this the role of all politicians? Or is it that Washington will corrupt them??

[rebelscout]

This the mind set of ALL the pol''s. grab what you can and don''t worry because WE ALL ARE DOING IT!! That''s why we need to boot all of them out,dem and rep! John Murtha may be the king but Ted Steven''s can''t be far behind. If we were smart we would band together and kick these scumbag''s out!

[bookout2]

So, the dems are corrupt. The Republicans are
corrupt. So, lets keep the Republicans in the
White House, the Republicans back in the majority
and keep the war going. Oh, I almost forgot lets
continue giving big business those humongous tax
breaks and drive us deeper in debt. Whats a little
recession gonna hurt? Not George Bush that for sure.

[tylenol6]

Murtha=PORK PIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tylenol6]

RON PAUL is still running for president. He is better
than the other 3 IDIOTS..................

[rick_harsch]

Let''s not forget Murtha also went on a rampage telling every media outlet that would listen that the Marines in Haditha had committed "cold-blooded murder."


He first claimed that his information came from a briefing from the Marine Corps Commandant, but when that claim was disproved he admitted that his source was Time magazine.

Murtha''s charges were broadcast far and wide, and before any investigation of the incident could get underway, the media joined Murtha in finding the Marines guilty of a massacre.

Now that all of the charges against the Haditha Marines are being dropped, what does turn-coat Murtha have to say?

[neverkoolaid]

The fact that so many Obama supporters have judged him to be "Black" because of the color of his skin seems incredibly racist and naive,...

Obama is not legally under Federal law considered an African American and will never be the first "African American" president.

Read the research and why the media has silenced it:

http://kennethelamb.blogspot.com/2008/02/barak-obama-questions-about-ethnic.html

[standlee5]

Why should my dollars go to Pa. and especially to Murtha''s special interests. The whole practice of earmarks should be eliminated. They think they can throw OUR hard earned, much needed money around just to benefit THEIR political ambitions.

[kaelinda]

Murtha has had more earmarks than Robert Byrd? That''s hard to believe! From what I''ve been told, Byrd has office parks - EMPTY industrial parks - all over West Virginia (all named Robert Byrd Industrial Park).

[hp32970c]

Murtha supports Clinton. If she wins don''t expect anything to change. She''s a sneaky, shady Washington insider and the one thing she has great experience in is LYING.

[klingon69]

Must be a Democrat, didn''t once see his political affiliation. if he had been Republican, it would''ve followed his name each time it was printed.

[ioweign]

This is old news and in some way suppose to present a balanced view of news coverage.

[ioweign]

I can not distinquish Republicans vs. Democrats anymore.

Posted by ojama at 10:13 AM : Apr 05, 2008


The Republicans wear bright orange jumpsuits...

[phillysage]

CBS is running this story again since it is anti-Hillary. The sexist misogynist coverage reflected in their get-Hillary at all costs coverage of this election on the part of the media is disgusting.
Of course Hillary would be the stronger candidate against McCain---is that their real reason for propping up Obama?

[demwatcher]

You Liberal wingnuts are reacting in typical fashion: If a report shows one of your own in a bad light, it is a character attack or bad news.

Ya''ll can''t handle the truth about your leaders, so you either scream for it to be hidden, or you bury your heads in the ground.

It is a delightful picture either way.

[strunke]

The real crooks are democrats.

[standlee5]

200 million a year for his personal interests. That''s 4 million from each state if it was divided equally. Why should my money in the midwest go to HIS special interest in Pa. This is theivery.

[standlee5]

2 BILLION dollars total to this man''s special interests!!!!!!!!! with no oversight!!!!!!!! The guy should be held up for public scrutiny. Why would Pennsyvanians ever vote him out. He''s robbing the rest of the country blind. GET HIM OUT OF CONGRESS!!!!

[likeitis5050]

Corruption that can''t be stopped....but let''s not talk about this....let''s talk about Bush.

[gretagreen]

As a Democrat, I''m ashamed of what Murtha is doing. His conduct is outrageous. But, it is just as outrageous that other members of congress let him get away with it.

I''m sick of sleazy backroom-deals politics as usual. I sure do hope we get some real change soon. (I''m voting for Obama, and I"m keeping my fingers crossed.)

[sparks224]

We expect this of Republicans. When they do it it''s not news.
The Democrats will have to put a stop to this, they should be held to a higher standard.

[bighancock35]

Now I see why heis backing Hillary Clinton, se is just like him. He should be investigated and kicked out of Congress. He knows if Hillary wins he has nothing to worry about. I am ashamed to be a Democrat.
This is why the economy is so bad with corrupt politicians like this there is noone to trust. The Congress needs to investigate him if they are truly for the people.

[greeneyes222]

The man''s a crook, pure and simple. And yet he was the media darling when it suited them, despite his ongoing corruption. What''s changed?

[jd2408]

Think about this the next time Congress tells you we cant afford social security and we must take the money away from the seniors ! They are still spending the surplus and with all their waste will cry we cant afford it.

[jonesforch]

cut the pork and give it back to the tax payers

[fredhetz]

I support Murtha in almost everything he does. That''s why this is so heartbreaking. He needs to stop this sort of nonsense.

[down-ndirty]

Now I see why he is backing Hillary Clinton, she is just like him. He should be investigated and kicked out of Congress. He knows if Hillary wins he has nothing to worry about. I am ashamed to be a Democrat.
This is why the economy is so bad with corrupt politicians like this there is noone to trust. The Congress needs to investigate him if they are truly for the people.
Posted by BigHancock35 at 08:53 PM : Apr 05, 2008
------------------

This Dem tends to agree with you, except for the last seven words of your post.

Congress isn''t truly "for the people" and seldom investigates itself unless it''s a "moral issue" that has become very public.

Congress people typically look out for their own intesests. Very good examples of that (from my area) are Randy Cunningham (now in prison) and his "sidekick" Duncan Hunter (who should be in prison ). Sadly, there are many others, too numerous to mention here.

[down-ndirty]

Unfortunately, Congress does not consider wasting $$billions of taxpayers'' dollars in "earmarks" as "immoral" and therefore, like term limits, nothing will ever be done about it, unless/until there is a taxpayer revolt.

Duncan Hunter (and others) is the "poster child" for term limits. After more than 20 years in Congress he has done nothing substantial for his district or for the millions of active duty military who have lived here during his tenure.

In spite of his "stated" support for the military, Hunter has stood by for over 20 years while the illegal USFSPA has "raped" the military retiree.

[down-ndirty]

I include Murtha in my list of "poster children" for term limits.

Murtha is just another politician whose "ideals" as a young congressman were superceded by "greed and power" as he became older.

[anappleadae]

Based on the poverty level in Pennslyvania; the relentless outsourcing of jobs, and the fraud, waste, and abuse by the Bush War thieves I''m glad that Murtha is trying to ease the abject pain of his constituents.

[anappleadae]

down-ndirty

The problem with your take on this and other governmental issues is your tunnel vision and two dimentional thinking. You comments would be more creative if your thinking encompassed a broader view of the ongoing government agenda.

[davidlar2]

Wasting tax payer money on poor districts in Pennsylvania does nothing for the long term growth of those districts and even less for everyone else. This is corruption pure and simple and this is why I supported Ron Paul.

[desno06]

NDIC is run by DOJ; the "other" center is run by DEA -- out of El Paso, Texas. Much of the squabbling is inter-agency. Neither fact mentioned here.

CTC could have been contacted -- this agency is not mentioned on their website. However, some of its business is quite sensitive, defense oriented, etc.
Perhaps that explains the silence? Get them to comment.

The picking on Murtha and his district is relentless. Would that you, your children, etc. had to pick yourselves up from the death of steel, coal, and deal with 25% unemployment that plagued the Johnstown region during the 1980s. The regional unemployment rate is down to about 8% -- twenty-five years later! Whoopee!

So El Paso is okay? How about Silicon Valley? Western Maryland? Seattle? Earmarks go for one and for all.
Investment for all Americans should be the correct goal.

I remain disappointed by still more sloppy reporting from the once great CBS News Department.

[jt_lancer]

The essence of government is everyone trying to live at the expense of everyone else. Nothing illustrates this more than pork spending. Someone benefits at the expense of someone else.

Some say that all politics is local. I say that all politics is corrupt.

[jt_lancer]

In the private sector, the cream rises to the top. In the public sector, the scum rises to the top.

[anappleadae]

Jt_Lancer

Your comment alledging that the Public Sector is like scum rising to the top; Am I missing something here? Are you not the Public? Sooooo... Just who is this very creamy Private Sector?

Are you referring to Businesses who would have no environment to operate if not for your scummy support of our so-called scummy fortified and civilized Public Government? Actually is this Government not a reflection of the scum known as you and me?

[antoniof123]

Well, now you know why they keep getting elected they bring money to their home states and that looks good for them.

[down-ndirty]

down-ndirty
The problem with your take on this and other governmental issues is your tunnel vision and two dimentional thinking. You comments would be more creative if your thinking encompassed a broader view of the ongoing government agenda.
Posted by anappleadae at 01:28 PM : Apr 06, 200
---------------------------

Apple-a-day: People like you crack me up. Your own creative thinking encompasses the BROAD view that you are "glad that Murtha is trying to ease the abject pain of his constituents."

Creative thinker your are, apple-a-day. Ha Ha Ha!!! And you are so quick to critique the opinions of others.

[mocaleo-2]

Congressman John Murtha, is now slamed by CBS
until he supported Clinton CBS made hime to be a hero

why did this change after he slammed obama?

[anappleadae]

Well... down-ndirty I will accept that we respectfully disagree. And yes... If I were in Murtha''s shoes confronted with the bleak economic experience in Pennslyvania I would do the same and probably more. All the while I would be feeling only pride in my constituents and the hell with Media.

[jgunther7]

Murtha is on the take and he supports Hillary Clinton, that speaks for itself.

[kenmar71]

I think we should get rid of Murtha and the problem would probably start taking care of themselves. it seems to me he is one of the problems...not the only problem, but just a small start on a long list. It''s time to cut the dead wood. We can''t afford these kind of politicians anymore!

[simonsez40]

In a perfect world Congress would pass a law making EARMARKS illegal. All Congress and Senate are on the take .......... once the government is corrupt it slowly begins to erode.

[parrot123-2009]

I think we should get rid of Murtha and the problem would probably start taking care of themselves. it seems to me he is one of the problems...not the only problem, but just a small start on a long list. It''''s time to cut the dead wood. We can''''t afford these kind of politicians anymore!
Posted by KenMar71 at 08:41 AM : Apr 07, 2008

Why are Repugs like Jeff Flake going after Dems instead of talking to their own party members - Aren''t Repugs still the top 5 POrkers ???