Dreier Vows to Continue Pursuit of Greater Earmark Reform

February 4, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Rules Committee Ranking Republican, vowed today to continue the pursuit of greater earmark reform, despite the refusal of the House Democratic leadership to join House Republicans in an effort to reform the earmarking process once and for all.  At their retreat last month, Republicans called on the House leadership to impose an earmark moratorium and appoint a bipartisan, bicameral joint committee to reform the earmark process.  Following their own retreat this past weekend, the Democrats have refused to join in the reform efforts.

“It’s clear the earmarking process is in need of real reform, yet the Democratic leadership refuses to face facts,” Dreier said.  “A bipartisan, bicameral committee would help address the mass confusion that reigns on both sides of the capitol.  Questions like what is and isn’t an earmark and how to enforce earmark rules need to be addressed.  Working together, we could solve this problem.  Instead, the Democrats seem content with the earmark status quo.  The American people aren’t, and until the Democrats come around, we will continue the fight for greater reform.”

As part of their pledge to pursue greater earmark reform, House Republicans have agreed to their own set of earmarking standards, including:

• No more “monuments to me.” 
• No more “airdrops.” 
• No “fronts” (no pass-through entities). 
• Members of Congress who request earmarks should put forth a plan detailing exactly how the money will be spent and why they believe the use of taxpayer funding is justified. 
• Members of Congress should require outside earmark recipients to put up “matching funds” where applicable so that American taxpayers do not bear all the risk for such expenditures.
• Holding the Executive Branch accountable for its own earmark practices.