Budget/Federal Spending

 Budget/Federal Spending

Earmark Abuse
    The practice of earmarking projects or specific appropriations measures by Members of Congress has received considerable media and public attention. There have been several abuses of the Congressional earmark process. Some earmarks have been included without proper disclosure or public hearings. Others have been added to obtain favor or as political horse-trades during last minute legislative brokering.  All of these improper actions have discredited what otherwise should be a legitimate conduct of legislative business by responsible elected federal representatives of the People.

     While I strongly oppose the abusive misuse of earmarks, I believe that with proper procedures and transparency, the specific enumeration of projects and funding priorities by elected representatives is appropriate. The alternative is for Congress to provide vast amounts of funds for nameless unelected bureaucrats to distribute. While some earmarks have been abused, I have always been a strong supporter of making sure public funds are spent effectively where needed most, in contrast to just delegating these decisions to unelected bureaucrats.  We must also ban earmarks that were not exposed to public scrutiny or were added to legislation at the last minute.

     Be assured I support earmark reform and, in fact, on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, on which I serve as the Republican Leader, I implemented new policies that are more stringent than the rules adopted by the Democrats.  All projects submitted by Republicans must be submitted 24 hours before this Committee considers legislation and must be available for full public review. Unfortunately to date the Democrats have refused to take this additional step.
 
Budget/ Deficit
     It is imperative that today's budget address three issues of national priority: long-term economic growth, cutting unprecedented Federal spending and an effective war against terrorism.  While President Bush’s annual budgets strived to confront challenges head-on, he simultaneously worked to address runaway Federal spending.  The Federal budget must meet America's most pressing priorities by ensuring the personal, economic and national security of all Americans.
 
     A strong economy and more jobs is the key to ensuring economic security for America's working families.  It is American workers who drive the economy and sustain this country. Our budget must recognize this fact and work to foster economic growth and create jobs, while investing in transportation, trade and energy.

     As a former businessman, I understand the problems that arise when spending outweighs revenue.  Please know I will continue my efforts to pass the Balanced Budget Amendment and force the government to be accountable for our hard-earned tax dollars.

    A key responsibility of government is to protect its citizens.  The budget needs to provide the President with the resources necessary to meet the nation's high priority of winning the war against terrorism and strengthening our homeland security, while investing in the future of our armed forces and keeping our promise to our veterans.