You may remember my exchange with Rep. Charles B. Rangel last year when I questioned his earmark for $2 million for the Charles B. Rangel Center of Public Policy.

Today, the Washington Post reported on a letter writing campaign Mr. Rangel has engaged in, soliciting contributions from corporations and foundations for his Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Policy at the City College of New York.  Furthermore, these letters were sent on Congressional stationary to leaders throughout the business community, flaunting the fact that he is Chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.  

Rangel has been soliciting donations from a variety of business leaders many of whom have business interests in the decisions of his committee, which has broad jurisdiction over tax policy, trade, Social Security and Medicare.

Chairman Rangel has also managed to secure two Department of Housing and Urban Development grants totaling $690,500 to help renovate the college-owned Harlem building that is slated to house the center.

That’s almost $3 million of your tax dollars, so Chairman Rangel can build a Monument to Himself. 

Ridiculous.