Republicans Have No Shame; They Award DeLay a Cushy Seat

AP: WASHINGTON - Indicted Rep. Tom DeLay, forced to step down as the No. 2 Republican in the House, scored a soft landing Wednesday as GOP leaders rewarded him with a coveted seat on the Appropriations Committee.

DeLay, R-Texas, also claimed a seat on the subcommittee overseeing the Justice Department, which is currently investigating an influence-peddling scandal involving disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his dealings with lawmakers. The subcommittee also has responsibility over NASA—a top priority for DeLay, since the Johnson Space Center is located in his Houston-area district.  | story

Truthdig says: Having DeLay act as a fiscal watchdog makes about as much sense as electing Libya chairman of the U.N. Human Rights Commission.