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10 Members of Congress and their wives studied climate change on a whirlwind trip that included:
1. Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
2. Rode a Cable Car through the Australian Rain Forest
3. Visited pengiun breeding colony and flew to the south pole.
4. Trip to New Year Eve in New Zealand
5. Trip included stops in Hawaii and pago-pago
Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) said that "Trip we made was more valuable than 100 hearing".
Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) said it wasn't all fun and games. "There are a lot more glamorous things to do than hand out on the South Pole. I never want to wear that many clothes again"
Rep Baird also sponsored a trip to the Galapagos Islands to gain experience in climate change. The 11 day trip cost taxpayers over $500,000.
The tab just in Australia was $50,000
$32,000 for hotels and meals
$7,000 for transportation
$10,000 for "other purposes"
Rep Ted Stevens sponsored a trip of 10 members of congress to the Paris Airshow. Stevens said the purpose was to learn more about developments in aviation. "My state is very dependent on the industry" because many cities can be reached only by air, he said.
When asked about wife participation, Rep Lucas said if spouses couldn't go along on trips abroud then they wouldn't be allowed to travel [probably because their wives don't trust them].
Wife Peachy Melancon, added "insight and perspective" that "only amplified the educational benefit he gained as a lawmaker."
1. Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
2. Rode a Cable Car through the Australian Rain Forest
3. Visited pengiun breeding colony and flew to the south pole.
4. Trip to New Year Eve in New Zealand
5. Trip included stops in Hawaii and pago-pago
Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) said that "Trip we made was more valuable than 100 hearing".
Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) said it wasn't all fun and games. "There are a lot more glamorous things to do than hand out on the South Pole. I never want to wear that many clothes again"
Rep Baird also sponsored a trip to the Galapagos Islands to gain experience in climate change. The 11 day trip cost taxpayers over $500,000.
The tab just in Australia was $50,000
$32,000 for hotels and meals
$7,000 for transportation
$10,000 for "other purposes"
Rep Ted Stevens sponsored a trip of 10 members of congress to the Paris Airshow. Stevens said the purpose was to learn more about developments in aviation. "My state is very dependent on the industry" because many cities can be reached only by air, he said.
When asked about wife participation, Rep Lucas said if spouses couldn't go along on trips abroud then they wouldn't be allowed to travel [probably because their wives don't trust them].
Wife Peachy Melancon, added "insight and perspective" that "only amplified the educational benefit he gained as a lawmaker."