Congressman Rangel’s Library
The Charge
John Gard’s TV ad and mailers claim Congressman Kagen voted to spend $2 million of taxpayer money to build a personal office and library for Congressman Charlie Rangel. The implication is that Kagen approved an earmark that personally benefits Rangel.
The Facts
Congressman Kagen did not vote to build a personal office or library for Congressman Rangel.
In fact, Kagen voted to provide scholarships so students can study for careers in public service.
Background
The ads refer to $1.916 million included in H.R. 3043, the spending bill that funds the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Departments. This is a routine spending bill that provides funding for schools, hospitals, medical research, home heating oil assistance, unemployment insurance, Medicare, scholarships, student grants and student loans, among other things.
The $1.9 million was directed to go to the City College of New York’s Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service. City College is a publicly financed college. The Rangel Center prepares students for careers in public service.
The $1.9 million is being spent on scholarships so students can attend City College and study for careers in public service.
The money explicitly cannot be used for construction of any buildings.
An amendment to strike the $1.9 million from the bill failed. Congressman Kagen joined 89 Republicans, including Republican Minority Leader John Boehner, in voting against that amendment.
[HR 3043, Amendment No. 62 Roll Call 678, 7/19/07]
