Kay Bailout Express delivers more earmarks, fails to protect landowners

Cornyn among GOP senators to oppose bloated bill and back prohibition on land acquisition

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison today continued her 16-year tradition of supporting earmarks and deficit spending by voting for an appropriations bill that increases the Department of Interior’s funding by $4.6 billion (16 percent), includes more than 300 earmarks costing taxpayers $244.5 million, and provides the Environmental Protection Agency with a 33 percent budget increase.

In addition, Sen. Hutchison stood with all but one Senate Democrat to defeat an amendment by Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn that would have prohibited the federal government from using $400 million included in the bill to acquire private property from landowners.

“Today’s vote by Senator Hutchison continues her reckless spending spree at the expense of taxpayers,” said Texans for Rick Perry spokesman Mark Miner. “It has been the Senator’s tradition to grab taxpayer dollars at every turn to satisfy her appetite for pork and now today she is saying taxpayer dollars are not enough, she also wants your land.”

Texas’ other senator, John Cornyn, understands the importance of protecting private property owners’ rights and appropriately voted against the Democrats’ motion to table Sen. Coburn’s amendment while also opposing final passage of the earmark-ridden bill.

“Texans have a true advocate in Sen. Cornyn, but today’s actions by the Senate as a whole are a stark reminder of our state’s need for appropriate eminent domain laws and private property protections,” said Miner. “That is why Texas voters need to support Proposition 11 in this November’s constitutional amendment election.”

The 81st Texas Legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution 14 to prohibit the acquisition of private property for purposes of economic development or tax revenue enhancement purposes, and to limit the Legislature's authority to grant the power of eminent domain to an entity.

In a statement following the passage of the bill, Sen. Coburn said, “Our priority should not be to spend more money, take property from private citizens and leave what we already own to fall to decay and disrepair. With every bill the Senate is passing we are earning our dismal approval ratings.”