The Earmarxists Win a Round at Republican Retreat
by Jed Babbin 1-28-08
A conservative initiative to get Republican agreement on a yearlong moratorium on earmarks was rejected by the House Republicans at their retreat at the Greenbrier Resort last weekend.
Led by Reps. Jeff Flake (R-Az), Mike Pence (R-In) and Jeb Hensarling (R-Tx), the conservative group nearly achieved a consensus. In a call Saturday afternoon, Mr. Flake told me that a substantial number of the members present (not all House Republicans were there) did raise their hands in support of the moratorium. In the end, the conservatives had to settle on a letter that called on Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats to join in a moratorium. Which, of course, they will never do.
But, as Flake added, the fight is a long way from over. The conservatives are considering another attempt to have all Republicans agree to the moratorium. Mr. Flake told me they were thinking of circulating a letter to all Republican members asking them to sign on to stop the earmarks cold. The other conservatives aren’t giving up, either.
Mr. Pence said, “If Democrats should refuse to accept this challenge, House Republicans must continue to lead on earmark reform by embracing an immediate moratorium on all earmark spending…Nothing short of a full moratorium, followed by public hearings and reform, will restore public confidence in Congressional appropriations.”
Flake may still achieve a seat on the House Appropriations Committee, which would be an ideal platform to fight against earmarks. Even if he doesn’t get appointed to the Committee (Republicans will meet on the committee appointments this week) he can still bring the fight to the House floor.
Flake told me that in the past he’s taken on earmarks one by one. We may see him take them on in bunches, fighting in committee or House floor proceedings.
House Republicans are playing with fire. Earmarks are anathema to most conservatives and some of the most prolific earmarxists—including some of the most senior Republicans in Congress—may be indicted this year for corruption connected to earmarks.
If the Republicans aren’t serious about ending earmarks and the corruption that goes with them, why should voters give them back control of either house of Congress? (emphasis added)
Mr. Babbin is Editor of Human Events.
Comments
Until the sheeple wake up and really see what is being done we are headed for a cliff as a nation. It is a shame that a man of true conservative principals like Ron Paul is shunned by today’s GOP.
Why can’t people see the true colors of these frauds?
— Michael E. Harrison Feb 11, 05:13 PM #
I cannot think of any alternatives.
— Erwin Greenberg Feb 11, 10:18 PM #