OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Providing For Earmarking Reform In The House Of Representatives

Date: Sept. 14, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Legislative Branch


PROVIDING FOR EARMARKING REFORM IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES -- (House of Representatives - September 14, 2006)

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Mr. McCAUL of Texas. I thank the chairman for his leadership on this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, in the past we have seen abusive earmarks in appropriation bills while the Members responsible hide from the scrutiny of the American taxpayer. We have also seen earmarks included in the conference process in the darkness of night. Well, this bill changes all that. As a former Federal prosecutor in the Public Integrity Section, I have always said that sunlight is the best disinfectant.

From now on, our appropriations tax and authorizing earmarks will have a bright light shined upon them. From now on, all reported bills and conference reports will include a list of earmarks and the name of the Member requesting them. Members will also be able to challenge any ``air-dropped earmark.''

This is exactly the transparency and accountability that the House needs, and it is something that the American people have come to expect and deserve. I urge my colleagues to vote for this important step to restoring integrity to the process.

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