Still some like, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and others had concerns that in doing so they would be ceding spending authority to the executive branch.
Prior to the ban in 2010, lawmakers used earmarks to direct government agencies how to spend money. The practice led to some noteworthy abuses such as the infamous “Bridge to Nowhere” in Alaska. Earmarks even played a role in former GOP Rep. Duke Cunningham’s bribery case. Cunningham, who spent time in prison, used earmarks in exchange for lobbyists’ gifts.
Before President elect Trump even takes office in January, a trio of Republican lawmakers want to return to the practice of earmarking, which became synonymous with government waste and pork-barrel spending during the Congress of the early 2000’s. This isn’t the first time Republicans have tried to resuscitate earmarks. In 2014, a similar earmark amendment was defeated by the GOP conference.
Reps. John Culberson of Texas, Mike Rogers of Alabama, and Tom Rooney of Florida are listed as sponsors of the amendment. The amendment would bring back legislative earmarks for some government agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Reclamation. It also would allow lawmakers to provide earmarks for state and local governments, except for recreational facilities, museums, or parks. Lawmakers would also be able to request earmarks as as long as the sponsoring member is identified, the earmarks initiate in committee, and they don’t increase spending.
House GOP members applauded and agreed to put off the issue until the first quarter of 2017. Multiple House Republicans said the proposal to reverse the ban was on track to pass in a closed door meeting before Ryan argued to slow down the process. Supporters of the change argued that ban on earmarks went too far because they can’t direct funding to much-needed projects in their districts. They say the shift gave too much power to the White House and unelected bureaucrats in federal agencies who now decide where to spend the money.
Idaho GOP Rep. Mike Simpson, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, told CNN he supported reinstating earmarks but told reporters it would have looked bad for House Republicans to make the change as one of the first moves after the election.
So, like I keep saying, these RINO Globalist puppets need to be watched at all times. But do remember that the ones trying this are from the OLD regime. The new reps arrive with President Trump!
Term limits will help to control this problem. We will need to be vigilant and “call out” all the corruption and dirty dealing we find. Stand and be heard, TRUMP cannot be expected to do it all on his own. He will be swimming in a pool of collusion and corruption in DC. After all, AMERICA belongs to all of us and all of us must be willing to help in any way we can!