Reply #69: Here's a Democrat who isn't afraid to make his views known

[HuskiesHowls]

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy says the United States should use unspent Iraq reconstruction money to help provide disaster relief to the parts of south Asia hit by the weekend tsunami that killed at least 76,000 people.

The money has been appropriated by Congress and is unspent.

"We could start taking the money out tomorrow if we needed to," Leahy said Wednesday.

"I believe that the United States, with capabilities far exceeding those of other nations, has an obligation to play the lead role in responding to this humanitarian emergency," Leahy said Wednesday in a letter to President Bush.
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"We speak of morality and morals in government. The morality in this is this: We're the wealthiest nation history has ever known. We have more blessings than any other nation," Leahy said.

"We say we'll sit back and then in a month or two have a donors conference in Geneva. The need is now," Leahy said. "If the president has to cut short his vacation so be it. If you are really looking for something where you can have Democrats and Republicans work together than do it on this. I can guarantee they will have a coalition of Democrats and Republicans."
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"Finally, I would urge you to promptly make high profile appearances to let the world know that the United States Government is deeply engaged on this issue," Leahy said. "You and other top Administration officials need to act decisively to improve the international perception of the U.S. response to this immense tragedy."

http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2004/12/29/leahy_wants_us_to_spend_more_for_tsunami_relief/