Dishin' Laurels and Darts
The National Taxpayers Union, joined by other member organizations concerned with eliminating the practice of earmarking, or porkbarrel spending, wrote to Congressman Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) yesterday strongly endorsing H.R. 1642, the “Obligation of Funds Transparency Act.” NTU pointed out that Congressional pork, or earmarked funds, as it is known technically, “is being tucked away in conference or committee report language for inherently political or wasteful purposes that do little good for the American people." The NTU letter noted that Flake’s bill “would help expose some of the most egregiously wasteful and sneaky earmarks. Consequently, a laurel to Congressman Flake.
Unfortunately, reform of the earmark process is being opposed by a number of Republican leaders in the House of Representatives, as noted in a front-page article in today’s Washington Times by Stephen Dinan. For example, Dinan includes this quote by Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-New York): “The Buffalo News, which is my hometown newspaper, still believes I should bring home the bacon.” Darts to the GOP leadership in the House of Representatives.
If you think that federal spending is out of control, including the use of earmarks, we urge you to write or call (202-224-3121) all three of your representatives in Congress. Arlington taxpayers can use the following links: