Biden convenes first stimulus oversight meeting
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/02/25/art.biden.gi.jpg caption="Vice President Joe Biden convened the first of what is expected to be a series of weekly stimulus plan implementation meetings."]WASHINGTON (CNN) - Vice President Joe Biden convened the first of what is expected to be a series of weekly stimulus plan implementation meetings Wednesday, saying it's critical to ensure that "the money that is spent is spent well."
The $787 billion package "is about creating and saving jobs now," Biden said. "We've got to make sure we hold as many people as possible accountable. (We need to) follow the money to make sure it's getting out there and is working."
Biden, who has been tasked with overseeing the distribution of stimulus funds, announced several fund disbursements, including $15 billion in Medicaid assistance and $10 billion to help make public housing more energy efficient.
Several Cabinet members attended the conference at the White House, including Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag, Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Former Interior Department Inspector General Earl Devaney, who has been tapped to head a new Recovery Act Transparency and Accountability Board, also attended.
The Transparency and Accountability Board was established by President Barack Obama to ensure that the stimulus package is spent in an open, efficient manner.
The "unprecedented spending" in the stimulus package, Obama said Monday, comes with an "unprecedented obligation" to avoid waste.
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Anne, today is Ash Wednesday. What he has on his forhead is the mark of ashes that he received when he went to church this morning.
Anne, what he has on his forehead is ash. It is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent for Catholics (like Biden). It means he went to mass this morning.
Matthew: if you were one of the people facing foreclosure because your pension was based on financials which no longer exist, you'd be happy he was putting money in them! Also, every one of those programs, from Medicaid/Medicare to the VA needs the funding for STAFF - that means JOBS. Yes, I'd like to see more go into infrastructure, and more will, but it is a START.
Concerned: you aren't concerned, your just hoping he'll make a mistake. Geez. Yes, Biden has been known to stick his foot in his mouth, but at least he admits it. But I guess you'd rather have a "C" student that mumbled lies, a "C" student who doesn't know anything about the economy, or a "D" student that took six years to get a B.A. than a "B" student college grad with 6 additional honorary degrees, including two Juris degrees (law).
@ Matthew in Detroit,
You cant do anything but complain can you?
So...... are you going to grab a shovel and help the rest of us digging the country out or are you just going to sit on the bench and wish us failure?
If its the latter, please feel free to leave America if you hate our country and your president so much. Meanwhile, enjoy the safety net we created for you one day when you need it. No Thanks expected or necessary.
He's Catholic and it's ashes on his forehead. They believe you sin like crazy the whole year and then ask for repentance today which is Ash Wednesday. I think that's how they do it. The Catholic's I know told me but I'm not Catholic but I do know the bishop puts ashes on the head.
Maybe that's why he forgot what website he was working from?