Dreier Statement on Republican Victory to Restore Transparency to Spending Process

June 14, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Rules Committee Ranking Republican, issued the following statement today following a pledge from the Democratic Leadership to restore Republican-implemented earmark reforms and allow scrutiny of earmarks throughout the legislative process:

"House Republicans took a principled stand this week and the American people won.  We simply said that when we make decisions about spending the American people's hard earned tax dollars, there had better be transparency in the process.   

"When earmark abuse became a bipartisan problem, we took steps in the last Congress to introduce transparency to the earmarking process. When this Congress began, the Democrats said they wanted to build on our reforms, but they quickly went in another direction. With the commitment delivered today, we are moving back to where we were, and where we should be.  

"Increased transparency, accountability and enforceability on earmarks is imperative. But there is more work to do, and we will be actively working to make sure the Democrats are living up to the promises they have made. There’s a lot of work to do in this Congress, and Republicans will have a very sharp eye on how it’s done.

"I am glad the Democratic Leadership has responded to the public outcry on this issue. All we’re asking for is transparency. We’re glad the American people are going to get it."