Lance Votes to Ban Earmarks for 112th congress

Press Release

Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today voted to ban earmarks for the 112thCongress. The measure was considered as part of House Republican efforts to restore fiscal restraint in the wake of the historic November elections.

"Banning earmarks is the right thing to do given our current fiscal constraints and the mounting national debt," said Lance. "Out-of-control congressional spending has outraged the American people and eroded public confidence in this institution. While both political parties bear responsibility for this failure, I am pleased House Republicans are taking concrete steps to putting us on a glide path toward fiscal restraint."

Lance noted that he would still help seek money for district projects as long as the funding has been budgeted and is part of a competitive process -- fire and safety grants and flood control assistance, for example.

"Eliminating earmarks alone will not solve our tremendous budget woes, however, our national debt is at $13.5 trillion and spending is at an all-time high. I believe an earmark moratorium will send the right message to the American people that the new Republican-led 112th Congress is serious about getting our fiscal house in order."

Earlier this year, Lance was the first member of the New Jersey congressional delegation who pledged to forgo earmarks for the current Congress, citing the need for fiscal restraint.

Lance is also the sponsor of a fiscal package to limit federal spending and reduce our Nation's ever-growing debt and deficits. For more information about the Lance debt reduction package, visit lance.house.gov/debt.

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