Press Releases - Fitzpatrick Sheds the Light of Public Disclosure on Federal Spending

Fitzpatrick Sheds the Light of Public Disclosure on Federal Spending
Votes to Change the Rules of the House, Reforms Earmarking Process

Today, Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick voted to bring transparency and accountability to Federal spending by voting for H.Res.1003, a bill to change the rules of the House when considering earmarks in spending bills.

"Congress should not treat the taxpayer's money as if it were its own to spend on pet projects and special interests," Fitzpatrick said. "This legislation brings transparency and accountability to the earmarking process, shedding light on the process and granting greater access to the public on where taxpayer dollars are being spent."

Earmarks are Member designated spending requests included in spending bills originating in the House of Representatives. Constitutionally, the House of Representatives is responsible in drafting all Bills of Revenue. Within those bills, individual Members of Congress are able to request funding for specific projects, known as earmarks. However, these Member requests are made anonymously and unless an amendment is offered to strike the request, the Chamber is forced to vote for them as part of the entire spending bill.

Under this new rule and for the first time, in order for the House to consider a bill, the Committee of jurisdiction must list all earmarks included in the bill and committee report, along with the names of Representatives requesting the earmark. This new rule will prevent earmarks from being slipped into legislation anonymously. By shining a spotlight on these earmarks, Representatives will be held accountable for the earmarks they submit. This new rule will help ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.

"It is time for Congress to take control over its spending practices. The American people are tired of wasteful projects and demand accountability in their government. That is why I introduced legislation earlier this year to reform the earmark process and that is why I voted for the rule change today."

In February, Fitzpatrick introduced H.R. 4667, the "Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act" which would require the names of Members submitting earmarks to be published in the bill that is appears. Also, Fitzpatrick's legislation would require any conference report to be published online for public review 72 hours before a vote on that legislation.

http://fitzpatrick.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=50136