Congressman John Campbell's Blog - Green Eyeshade Blog

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Posted by: John Campbell at 1:21 PM

I just got back from a press conference this morning where Citizens against Government Waste (CAGW), unveiled their Earmark Reform Pledge - a list of 10 common sense reforms which addresses how Congress spends taxpayer dollars. I was the first to sign this pledge which requires all members who sign to fully disclose all requests for special funding or tax benefits on their congressional websites.

One of the integral parts of the CAGW pledge calls for the support of legislation that will end the linkage between campaign contributions and earmarks. In past blogs I have commented on the connection between earmarks and contributions. This is a step towards eliminating the corruption and abuse of the earmarking system.

The CAGW pledge also requires members not to request earmarks or tax breaks for specific private entities. In the fiscal year 2008 defense spending bill (HR 3222) there are nearly $2 billion worth of earmarks for 600 different companies. These 600 earmarks would not be allowed under this pledge.

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Frigglesnitz writes:	Wednesday, November, 07, 2007 10:23 AM
PORK; EARMARKS; COBURN
Was Sen. Tom Coburn there? Coburn is like a dog with a bone on the subject of pork. He is fun to watch. He's the big brother who beats the bejabbers out of the bully. Coburn for President. Please.
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Golfnut writes:	Wednesday, November, 07, 2007 12:13 PM
Talk is cheap
Where have I heard this song before? Anyone looking for a pat on the back comes up with the "I'm proposing a bill to eliminate PORK" message. The only thing that's different is the music it's played to. Bah humbug! Or in the words of my grandmother, long departed, horsefeathers!
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Cajun Maverick writes:	Wednesday, November, 07, 2007 1:07 PM
Waste
It's good to see the President start to talk tough on spending, but why didn't he do this for the past 6 years? This is one of the top reasons why people are leaving the GOP. Im not opposed to all earmarks. I think there are some that are useful, such as public works. Yet things like the Bridge to Nowhere and aligator farm research are a bit ridiculous.
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About John Campbell

John Campbell is a member of the House Financial Services Committee, and has taken a leadership role in addressing the country's top economic issues. Campbell serves as a member of the Joint Economic Committee, and House Committee on the Budget. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from UCLA and a Master's Degree in Taxation from USC.