‘Change You Can Believe In’ Becomes ‘Payoffs And Gifts To Special Interests You Can Count On’

As the nation confronts a debilitating national deficit of $1.3 trillion – the second highest of all time – the Federal government must dedicate itself to spend money more responsibly and thoughtfully instead of rewarding special interests and abusing taxpayer dollars in the area of national security.  Austerity must be the goal; however, government cannot shed its responsibility to perform essential functions that keep us safe – but when it does so, it must do so in a way that is above reproach given these difficult financial times.

The latest, most recent example of the careful balance that appears to be falling toward padding special interests over responsibility is the recently-issued draft Request for Proposals (RFP) from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) entitled, “Establishing Centers of Innovation for Advanced Development and Manufacturing (ADM) as Public – Private Partnerships.”

Capitol Confidential has learned that this draft RFP is the first step by the Obama Administration to develop and build a national vaccine center with a projected cost of at least one billion dollars.

After the influenza pandemic last year it is fair to question whether the Federal government should take on more responsibility in the area of vaccine production and distribution particularly since there is a vibrant and competitive industry in the private sector, but the real questions here are why is this happening now and who stands to benefit?

We must recall during the presidential campaign, Candidate Obama told voters over and over again that he would change the way business is done in the nation’s capital.  His administration would end the pay to play, special favors, cut off the special interests and shutter the revolving door.  It was a central part of his argument: lobbyists and special interests have corrupted the process and they would have no place in an Obama Administration.

Fast forward almost two years, and we find ourselves in a situation where lobbyists, former and current administration officials, special interests and the corrupting influences have positioned themselves to haul in nearly one billion in taxpayer dollars in what could be one of the most lucrative government payoffs in history and, most disgracefully, they are doing it in a critical area of national and public health security.

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