| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: David Ward |
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| January 28, 2008 | (202) 225-3484 |
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| WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Jeb Hensarling (TX-05) issued the following statement on President Bush’s final State of the Union address: “President Bush discussed some very important issues in his address to the nation, and I was particularly glad to see that he is taking a strong stance against the wasteful and corrupting practice of earmarking. The President announced that he would veto any spending bill that does not cut both the number and cost of earmarks by 50%. “This is a great start, but Congress must go further. When it comes to Congressional earmarks, there aren’t just a few bad apples, the barrel is full of them. The American people have wised up to the fact that too often Congressional earmarks are about using their paychecks to preserve a Congressman’s or Senator’s paycheck. “Recently, more and more of my colleagues have followed my lead and imposed an earmark moratorium on themselves until we can solve the problems associated with earmarking once and for all. This will go a long way towards re-establishing fiscal responsibility in Washington where Congress has gotten into the very bad habit of wasting taxpayer’s money on ridiculous pork-barrel spending projects like the Bridge to Nowhere in Alaska, the Teapot Museum in North Carolina, and the $800,000 gas station and pizza parlor in Ohio. “Yes, that’s right. Washington is spending your money to ensure college students in Ohio have quicker access to gas and fast food. Like most East Texans, I think this is a ridiculous use of your tax dollars. “At a time when East Texas families are facing higher gas prices, higher health care premiums, and higher tuition costs, it is especially important for Congress to commit itself to responsible spending levels so that taxes on hard-working Americans aren’t raised even higher. “I commend President Bush for his stance on the issue and hope Congress will go even further to ensure that taxpayers across East Texas can keep more of their money in their pockets where it belongs.” |