Monday, February 4, 2008

Congressman Jeb Hensarling On Earmarks

Republican members of the House seem to be getting the message on pork barrel spending:

Two weeks ago, the Republican Conference – under the leadership of Congressman John Boehner – adopted several self-imposed guidelines to begin reforming the broken down earmark process. Though I believe that as Republicans we need to go even further by adopting a full year long earmarking moratorium while significantly changing the earmarking system as we know it today, our House Republican leaders deserve credit for making earmark reform a top priority.

Conservatives consistently make the case that the earmarking process has too often lent itself to the triumph of seniority over merit, secrecy over transparency, and the special interest over the national interest. And though I am disappointed by the refusal of Democrats to work with Republicans to fix the broken earmark system, I can’t say that I am shocked by it. Are you?


After getting smacked during the 2006 election the Republicans are finally coming around to our way of thinking. I hope they can get something done on this. Of course, they are in for a heck of a fight. The Democrats and several Republicans will fight this tooth and nail.

Do what you can. Contact your Representatives.

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