Press Releases

"I am disappointed that Speaker Pelosi has rejected a Republican invitation to place an immediate moratorium on all government funded earmarks. I believe this is an issue that we must find common ground on, and that we must do so immediately. Unfortunately, congressional Democrats do not feel the same way.

"In lieu of Speaker Pelosi's decision today, a decision that prevented the creation a bi-partisan Joint Committee on Earmark Reform to study the earmark process and make thoughtful recommendations to the Congress as a whole, I have decided to develop my own set of criteria for funding requests. First, is the project for the public good? Second, is there local support for the project? And finally, is there a non-federal match or contribution to the project? If any of these criteria are not met in full, I will not submit any funding request for approval.

"I understand that this is a difficult issue to tackle, but that is no reason to act so cavalier and avoid the problem entirely. Many groups rely heavily on government investment and funding. But until we can establish a process that ensures transparency and fairness, and one that eliminates wasteful spending, it is imperative that each of us take all the necessary steps to show the American people that we are acting in good faith and in their best interest."

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