This article discusses Congress' opinion on Obama's bills and the Congress' power to insert earmarks within them. Congress decides on earmark spending, even though Obama had asked to stop future earmarks, but its ultimately a decision of Congress.
That is a solid article. I guess there are a few different ways to look at this issue: First, it really only makes up 1% of the bill, so what is the big deal? This same issue came up during the campaign and nobody cared. Second, Steny Hoyer is kidding himself when he argued that, "I philosophically believe it would be an undermining of the Article One responsibilities given to the Congress of the United States if it were to abandon its right to add items that it believes are priorities for our country and for the communities we represent as members of Congress." Seriously? Anyone who pays attention knows that these are tools to get re-elected. Third, it helps "mavericks" like John McCain get re-elected because they get to paint themselves as knights on white horses who don't steal your money and fight against those corrupt politicians who like to funnel federal dollars to frivolous projects.
Good article, interesting subject that seems to come up all the time, but it never really changes. At least now the sponsors are not mysterious.
That is a solid article. I guess there are a few different ways to look at this issue: First, it really only makes up 1% of the bill, so what is the big deal? This same issue came up during the campaign and nobody cared. Second, Steny Hoyer is kidding himself when he argued that, "I philosophically believe it would be an undermining of the Article One responsibilities given to the Congress of the United States if it were to abandon its right to add items that it believes are priorities for our country and for the communities we represent as members of Congress." Seriously? Anyone who pays attention knows that these are tools to get re-elected. Third, it helps "mavericks" like John McCain get re-elected because they get to paint themselves as knights on white horses who don't steal your money and fight against those corrupt politicians who like to funnel federal dollars to frivolous projects.
ReplyDeleteGood article, interesting subject that seems to come up all the time, but it never really changes. At least now the sponsors are not mysterious.