From Fox News
Another September 11th-related funding clash is poised to erupt in Congress, as one fiscal hawk senator blocks a bill that would see $20 million in taxpayer funds go to the creation of the 9/11 Memorial Museum.
Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., who proudly wears the moniker of “Dr. No” due to his opposition to deficit spending, has refused to sanction the legislation in the wake of trillion dollar deficits that are now projected to continue through the current fiscal year and possibly beyond.
“Dr. Coburn believes we can best honor the heroism and sacrifices of 9/11 by making hard choices and reducing spending on less vital priorities rather than borrowing money,” Coburn spokesman John Hart tells Fox. “This funding dispute could be solved in minutes if the sponsors would look at the hundreds of billions of dollars in waste and duplication in the federal government that has been identified by the Government Accountability Office and others. Finding $20 million in savings is the least we can do to demonstrate that Congress also understands the value of service and sacrifice.”
The museum, largely funded by private donations, is designed to honor victims of and educate the public on the terrorists attacks of both September 11, 2001, as well as the February 26, 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Hart said the senator would ideally like to see private funds solely cover the cost of the project, much as happened with the Oklahoma City bombing memorial.
