[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[House]
[Page 23784]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




CRONYISM IN THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION: APPOINTMENTS BASED ON CONNECTIONS, 
                            NOT CREDENTIALS

  (Ms. BERKLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, the Bush administration has 
systematically abused its power by appointing political allies rather 
than qualified people to positions that have a direct effect on the 
safety and well-being of the American people.
  This dangerous practice became painfully evident in the devastating 
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina when the incompetence and inexperience 
of FEMA Director Michael Brown led to a terribly inadequate response to 
natural disaster. We now know that President Bush appointed Brown as a 
favor to a friend, not on his ability to do the job.
  Unfortunately, this is not an isolated example. A recent Time 
Magazine inquiry found that in filling positions at vital government 
agencies, the Bush administration has put connections ahead of 
credentials. Time notes in a September 25 article that ``connections, 
not qualifications, have helped an unusually high number of Bush 
appointees land vitally important jobs in the Federal Government.''
  Madam Speaker, this cronyism must end. Our tax dollars should pay for 
government that works for everyone, not just the President's friends. 
The American people deserve better.

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