House Republicans spent Friday morning behind closed doors debating whether to undo the current ban on earmarks, but the amendment was eventually defeated after passionate pleas from both sides.
Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers spoke in favor of an amendment to roll back the ban, arguing it has the effect of giving the president power over Congress on spending.
“I do not believe most people trust how President Obama spends our tax dollars,” Rogers said in a statement provided to The Daily Caller by his office. “This proposal would allow the conservative, Republican-controlled House to reassert its Constitutional authority over the Obama Administration and the spending decisions it is currently making.”
Rogers’ amendment to the earmark moratorium made exception for spending for a “state, locality (including county and city governments), or a public utility or other public entity.”
No surprise about that. As I have said the GOP has a dangerous opportunity by winning this election. They can be wise and build helping the American people on this or they can totally mess up and lose all their gains in 2016.
I hope they do not bring the economy to a halt and put it on a downward path as they did in t he 90's.
But it appears they are continuing the self-serving politics again, and still being obstructionist in helping the average citizen. Oh well ...............
The government needs to stop spending so much money.
Ending most earmarks is one good way.
I could see a little for major emergencies, but not for all these "bring home the fat" projects.
I agree.
There is an easy short term "win" ripe for the taking staring them right in the face if they would only take it.
PASS THE BUDGET.
This is an easy realistic short term goal that would do two things.
1) Obama listed this as one of his three goals that he thought were realistic bipartisan issues that could be taken care of.
Passing the budget gets the "obstructionist" monkey off the GOP's back and puts it back on Obama.
2)
There were a lot of jaded federal empolyees that were hurt by the furloughs and didn't appreciate having their livelihood used as a negotiating tactic.
We need to win some of these people back.
Obama is not serious about a bugdet. There has not been one for how many years, even though Republicans and passed many in the house. The reason is Reid and Obama do not want one. It would be to confining to their agenda.
It's hard to take that seriously when Boehner is the one that took his ball and went home.
No doubt both sides are to blame but people don't want to hear that.
Sit down until it is done.
Nobody should be walking away from the table when there are so many people counting on you.
Really, even Hastert said he was baffled.
Boehner was essentially a figurehead for a GOP with tremendous infighting at these talks with little chance to make his own party happy no matter what the outcome.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Tea Party is a big problem for the GOP.
Republicans have submitted budgets to the Senate every year.
Reid doesn't even bring them up for a vote.
No compromise.
If they don't get everything they want in the budget, they just don't bring it up for a vote.
Then they can move money around any way they see fit.
1. Illegal aliens are here illegally.
2. Pro-domestic employment is indispensable.
3. A strong military is essential.
4. Special interests must be eliminated.
5. Gun ownership is sacred.
6. Government must be downsized.
7. The national budget must be balanced.
8. Deficit spending must end.
9. Bailout and stimulus plans are illegal.
10. Reducing personal income taxes is a must.
11. Reducing business income taxes is mandatory.
12. Political offices must be available to average citizens.
13. Intrusive government must be stopped.
14. English as our core language is required.
15. Traditional family values are encouraged.