Congressman Flake Sends Letter to Chairman Obey Urging Him to Drop Earmarks in FY08 Spending Bills

Press Release

Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona's Sixth District, today sent a letter to House Appropriations Committee David Obey urging him to follow through on a threat he has made to eliminate earmarks in the remaining fiscal year 2008 appropriations bills.

Chairman Obey has cautioned House Members that, if congressional appropriators are forced to make additional spending reductions in order to meet President Bush's spending levels, Members' earmarks will be among the first items to be cut.

House earmarks in the remaining appropriations bills amount to at least $3.3 billion.

"While many Members of Congress might object to earmark-free spending bills this year, my guess is that many more taxpayers would applaud such a move," said Flake.

"House earmarks may not completely close the gap between Congress' and President Bush's budget levels, but Chairman Obey is absolutely right that they ought to be the first thing on the chopping block."

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