The Dallas Morning News reports that Republican congressman Pete Sessions has issued spending requests for a number of projects. ”He even wants US taxpayers to spend $2.5 million for a shortwave radio station in Madagascar”, says the paper.
The request for $2.5 million is on behalf of Madagascar World Voice radio, and is intended to bring to light important projects such as the role of radio in combating HIV/AIDS in Africa, officials say. “MWV is making a difference in Madagascar and can make a difference all across Africa,” James McGee, US ambassador to Madagascar, wrote to Mr Sessions. “I support their worthy efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS and would encourage them to expand their coverage to as wide an audience as possible.”
But no matter how worthy the cause, asking for an earmark is no guarantee of federal funding, said Sessions’ Chief of Staff Guy Harrison. “At the end of the day, each of these is a request,” he said. “We’re under no illusions we’ll get all of our requests.”
(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
Additional info on this may be found at the Dallas Morning News website