Topic: Politics
Senator Jim DeMint’s Earmark Moratorium Amendment There are, from time to time, some of our Congressional representatives that take a stand that deserves our support and action, this earmark moratorium is one of those times.by Gary Wood
(conservative libertarian)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Many who read this will fully agree with Henry A. Waxman when he said, "We have a problem in Congress. Congressional spending through earmarks is out of control." Mr. Waxman is the Oversight and Government Reform Chairman. He's absolutely right, earmarks are a major problem. This is especially troubling to all of us who want transparency, accountability and responsibility in Washington.
Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) is stepping to the plate and taking action. He plans to offer an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution that will impose a year-long moratorium on congressional earmarks. Upon hearing of this action from Grassfire.org I went to the Senators website. Here is what he had to say;
"Americans want immediate action to stop wasteful earmarks. Democrats promised to clean up Washington after the number of earmarks exploded under Republican control, but two years later the congressional favor factory is still open for business and humming right along," said Senator DeMint. "Last year, Democrats passed nearly 12,000 earmarks costing over $17 billion. We need to take a time-out from earmarks so we can make honest reforms that prevent American tax dollars from being wasted on bridges to nowhere and hippie museums."
"Earmarks represent one of the worst ways to spend money. The earmark process allows politicians to fund pet projects based on political power instead of merit. Earmarks are rarely subject to public hearings or oversight, and they invite the kind of corruption that has sent lawmakers to jail.
"Earmarks are a bipartisan addiction and the only solution is to go cold turkey. Congress is not going to be able to kick the habit unless it calls a time-out.
"Giving up earmarks for one year is not too much to ask. Americans have to make these kinds of decisions with their family budgets all the time. Members of Congress should be willing to make political sacrifices necessary to stop wasteful spending and balance the federal budget," said Senator DeMint.
A timeout is not the final answer, we really need to press the Congress to stop earmarks all together and start having all legislation to stand on its own without any riders or earmarks. Yet this proposal is a good step toward that end. It will provide a full year without this terrible practice. Earmarks are the way things get done today but do not have to remain. Representing real change, not campaign rhetoric, Senator DeMint is helping provide all of us an opportunity to voice our support.
Today it is really easy to contact your Congressional team. Everyone needs to send three emails, faxes, or letters to their two Senators and their Representative. Three contacts, if you choose email we are talking very little time at all. Here's a simple format, from Grassfire, for which ever method you choose to use.
To the Honorable {Name of Congressperson},
I want to alert you to the words Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Henry A. Waxman who recently said, "We have a problem in Congress. Congressional spending through earmarks is out of control." Mr. Waxman is right. Earmarks have become a big problem for taxpayers who want accountability and responsibility brought back to Washington.
I'm urging you to join with Mr. Waxman, along with colleagues from both the Senate and House who have pledged not to Earmark on upcoming spending bills this year. Additionally, I'm asking you to fully support Sen. Jim DeMint's amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution imposing a year-long moratorium on congressional earmarks. Americans want true reform, and the only way to responsibly analyze and make honest reforms is to take a year long time-out.
I work hard for my money and deserve to know how it is being spent in Washington. Please support this effort on our behalf.
Sincerely,
You don't have to use this exact wording if you don't want to of course. I would only urge polite, respectful, and swift action. Lets all show Congress we support a move away from earmarks. During the one year moratorium let's work on putting together a campaign to urge the end of the practice all together. When choosing who to vote for, if they are an incumbent, see if they supported this amendment or not. If not vote them out.
We the people say we want change. Take the opportunity right now to send your messages for this change. Then get in the habit of doing this every time an important bill or amendment is before either the Senate or the House. Get educated about legislation and then get involved. Start now! Find your representatives by entering your zip code here (upper left corner).
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2008 by Gary Wood - Permission to copy with attribution granted.
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