Click on the star icon and icon to review the possible reason for the origin of the "pig" reference. . . a symbolic jester by President George W. Bush and his Administrators that evolved from their "creative minds."
— a new GAO report on existing "Federal Compensation Programs" finds major problems in funding
shortfalls and delays for victims that will likely befall the proposed asbestos trust fund.
EXCERPTS: "Although we did not independently assess the accuracy of the data
obtained from the federal agencies, we determined the reliability of the data by
interviewing knowledgeable agency officials regarding the completeness and accuracy of
administrative data, reviewing related documentation, and obtaining assurances that the
agencies conducted tests of the data for omissions and errors. We determined that the
data were sufficiently reliable to meet the objectives of this engagement. Our
work was conducted from June to October 2005 in accordancewith generally
accepted government auditing standards.
In summary, we found that all four programs were designed to compensate individuals
injured by exposure to harmful substances. However, their design, the agencies
that administer them, their financing mechanisms, benefits paid, and
eligibility criteria, including their standards of proof (the evidence claimants
must provide to support their claims), differ significantly."
The GAO report warned that, "Policymakers must carefully consider the cost and precedent-setting implications of establishing any new federal compensation programs, particularly in light of the current
federal deficit." The GAO surveyed the claims and financial history of four compensation programs
through the end of fiscal year 2004. The programs reviewed were the Black Lung Program, the Vaccine
Injury Compensation Program (VICP), the Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (RECP), and the
Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP). The GAO concluded that in
all four programs, there have been far more claims than originally estimated for each program. In fact
the Black Lung program has cost U.S. taxpayers at least $38 billion more than expected. Significant
delays in completing claims for victims occurred in all four programs. It took at least two years for all
four programs to become fully operational once enabling legislation was enacted. Programs have been
expanded "to provide eligibility to additional categories of claimants, cover more medical conditions, or
provide additional benefits." See "Federal Compensation Programs; Perspectives on Four Programs;"
the Government Accountability Office; November 18, 2005. ITEM 2 — Common Dreams Progessive