The Boston Globe accuses Congressman Murtha of being one of many representatives adding unnecessary dollars to the federal defense bill to support local projects and business that don't seem to have much at all to do with defense.

The article cites the National Drug Intelligence Center in Johnstown as the prime example of Murtha attempting to shift federal dollars to keep the NDIC open. Months ago, the President's budget allowed for just enough money to close the NDIC, but Murtha managed to get enough money onto the Defense Budget to keep the NDIC open. So, why these attacks and why Congressman Murtha?

Political Science Professor Ray Wrabley says, "I think what you've got going on here is you've got a battle over the money that's going to be spent in the defense budget and Congressman Murtha is very good at getting that money...and there are other's who would like to see it go elsewhere."

In response to the Boston Globe article, Murtha tells Channel Six News, "I support the continued operation of the NDIC because the work done there is so important to the nation's anti-drug and anti-terrorism efforts."

Professor Wrabley also says the approval rating for all members of Congress plummeted since last year and he says there's a trend in the national media to kick them while they're down.