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Washington D.C.- Despite election year promises of transparency, accountability and reform, House Democrats will include slush funds for billions in secret earmarks in each appropriations bill this year. House Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-WI) has announced that secret earmarks will be inserted into the bills during conference committee – AFTER the bills have been considered on the House floor.
Despite Mr. Obey’s insistence that he and the Appropriations Committee should be trusted to privately monitor the tens of thousands of secret earmarks that will be dolled out using taxpayer dollars behind closed doors, his decision prevents Members of Congress from attempting to strike individual earmarks or debate their merits on the House floor. This type of smoke filled, back room dealing is a far cry from Democrat Leaders campaign promises last fall:
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Then Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi
“We pledge to make this the most honest, ethical, and open Congress in history.”
(Christian Science Monitor, 11/14/2006)
“…This is a place where we really need to throw up the shades and pull back the curtains, and just says we have to have the fullest possible disclosure, and it has to be on earmarks in appropriations, in authorizations and in taxation. And it has to be across the board, with no escape hatches.”
(CQ Transcriptions, Rep. Nancy Pelosi Holds a News Conference, 9/14/2006)
“We will bring transparency and openness to the budget process and to the use of earmarks, and we will give the American people the leadership they deserve.”
(Pelosi Press Release, 12/11/2006)
“There has to be transparency. I’d just as soon do away with all (earmarks), but that probably isn’t realistic.” “You can’t have bridges to nowhere for America’s children to pay for. Or if you do, you have to know whose it is.”
(USA Today, 11/12/2006)
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Then Minority Whip Steny Hoyer
“We are going to adopt rules that make the system of legislation transparent so that we don’t legislate in the dark of night, and the public and other members can see what is being done.”
(Washington Times, 11/25/2006)
”Words will not do it…I have a good relationship with Rep. Roy Blunt… I have a good relationship with Rep. John Boehner… We’ll work together. We’ll include them in the decision making.” “To the extent that we create an atmosphere of mutual respect, the American public will feel more comfortable with Congress.”
(Hoyer Website, 12/10/2006)
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Then DCCC Chairman Rahm Emanuel
”Earmark Reform must do more than identify an earmark’s sponsor. We need to curb the proliferation of unnecessary and suspect earmarks.”
(Townhall.com, 9/12/2006)
”For far too long, business as usual has involved individual members dolling out favors in appropriations and other bills through earmarks. The American people deserve to know more than who sponsored special interest legislation. They deserve earmark reform that puts an end to special interest earmarking, and provides solutions to prevent the practice of earmark abuse.”
(Emanuel Press Release, 9/12/2006)
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Sadly for taxpayers, it doesn’t appear that the Democrat leadership believes that they need to deliver results after an election year of empty promises. In response, House conservatives will stand with American taxpayers, using all means at their disposal to hold the Democrat leadership true to their promises.
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