Democrats Abandon More Non-Stimulus Spending

After complaints from the GOP the Dems have dropped the contraception funding from the stimulus bill, and now the money to refurbish the National Mall:

On Tuesday evening the House Rules Committee stripped two provisions from the stimulus package: the family planning money that President Obama personally lobbied Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., to remove yesterday, and the $200 million to refurbish the National Mall.

The move was made amidst a torrent of GOP criticism about wasteful or non-stimulative spending in the bill, including those two projects, as the president attempts to woo House GOPers.

Don't get me wrong, I love the National Mall. It's a neat place to visit right in the heart of Washington. However, if refurbishment is needed, put those funds in a regular appropriation bill, not a stimulus package.

Next should be the money for ACORN. Those funds are designed for only one purpose: Pay off organizations that spend their time as Dem street workers. There's nothing about ACORN funding that will stimulate the economy. The GOP needs to keep identifying non-stimulus spending and shining the light on it. The Dems obviously are desperate for GOP votes given the way they are caving on these other items.

And while they're at it, there's no reason to approve $75 million for smoking cessation. Again, not a measure that will stimulate the economy.

UPDATE: What about $335 million for STD prevention? Again, doesn't belong in this bill.

I'm beginning to think that the Senate Republicans need to filibuster this bill until all these stupid non-stimulus provisions can be identified and removed.