Senate To Vote On Flight 93 Memorial Money

Among the tens of thousands who’ve traveled to Somerset County to visit the temporary Flight 93 memorial is Gordon Felt.

Felt’s brother, 41-year-old Edward Felt, was in seat 2-D when United 93 was hijacked on Sept. 11, 2001.

Felt said it’s his mission to see a permanent memorial completed.

"The loss that we've experienced is immeasurable. Our loved ones can't be replaced, but what we can do is honor their memory and honor their actions," said Felt.

Administrative delays, land disputes and uncertainty about money have slowed the process.

Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter allowed our camera inside as he told Felt and other relatives that they’ll likely get $5.5 million in federal money this year to go toward the $58 million project.

Earmarks are often called pork, and they’re the focus of a fierce fight. A group of senators and government watchdogs have asked that all earmarks be removed from federal government spending, no matter how worthy the project.

Online, a firestorm is brewing. Bloggers on Washington Post’s Web site wrote, “People are losing their homes, jobs and savings. There is no need to erect another monument. Especially building a park and $58 million for a memorial is ridiculous.”

The Senate will vote Thursday night on the 2009 spending plan. The Flight 93 memorial plan will likely be included.

Bloggers might oppose it, but politically, it’s a difficult earmark for senators to publicly oppose.