House Republicans like Rep. Jeff Flake (AZ) adamantely oppose earmarks of any kind. Flake regularly highlights an "Egregious Earmark of the Week" and in 2006 traveled the country with Americans for Prosperity to combat the practice of earmarking. Flake's position is followed by some House Republicans, like Leader John Boehner and Rep. Marsha Blackburn, but not all agree that doing away with earmarks is the answer.

The omnibus bill to be signed shortly by President Obama contains nearly 9,000 earmarks but Congressional Quarterly reports only 39 Republicans did not include earmarks for their districts. Leader Boehner and Rep. Mike Pence have both called for Obama to veto to the omnibus bill, due in large part to the inclusion of outlandish earmarks. Favorites include $200,000 to be used for tattoo removal and $800,000 for catfish genetics. 

Most Republicans agree that even if earmarks are not completely eliminated, they must be more transparent -- but everyone seems to have a distinct opinion on the matter. This is why Boehner created the Select Committee on Earmark Reform late last year. Committee members include Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Rep. Judy Biggert, Rep. Kevin Brady, Rep. Jeff Flake, Rep. Randy Forbes, Rep. Doc Hastings, Rep. Jeb Hensarling, Rep. John Mica, Rep. Mike SImpson and Rep. Zach Wamp. 

“I don’t do earmarks; I wish that they weren’t around here,” Boehner said in an interview with The Hill. “I’ve spent three years trying to find a way to end the practice or fix the practice. I haven’t found it yet, but I’m still working on it.”

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