Stansbury calls reported $40 billion Argentina bailout proposal improper, vows congressional challenge
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Summary
When asked about funds reportedly directed to Argentina during the shutdown, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury said such spending without congressional approval would be illegal and indicated oversight and litigation steps.
An audience member asked Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury why funds reportedly being offered to Argentina were not instead being used to help people affected by the U.S. government shutdown. Stansbury said that, if administration officials were moving large sums without congressional authorization, that would be unlawful.
"You cannot spend $40,000,000,000 of American taxpayer dollars for a bailout of a foreign country in the middle of a government shutdown without asking for permission from Congress," Stansbury said, and added that she expected oversight and litigation. "So you better bet we're gonna sue those guys. It's not legal," she said.
Stansbury characterized the reported bailout as part of what she described as patronage or pay-to-play politics involving foreign leaders and said House members and senators from New Mexico had been raising concerns about the matter.
Ending: Stansbury said she and others in New Mexico's congressional delegation were monitoring the issue and would pursue oversight and legal remedies if necessary.