As some of you may have heard, Rep. Wicker (R-MS) has been appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill the spot for recently retired Senator Trent Lott (R-MS).  This frees up a seat on the House Appropriations Committee.

I have long argued that the appropriations process is broken and needs to be reformed; in fact, I have taken a pledge to not request any new earmarks until we do so.  Now, we have a real chance at changing the earmark culture in residence in Washington, D.C. 

Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), has submitted a petition to the House Republican leadership for consideration for the open seat on the panel, and I believe he would be an excellent candidate for the open seat.  Jeff Flake has long been a vocal and fearless advocate for reform of the earmark process, government spending, and oversight.

With this vote, the Republican Steering Committee has an opportunity to show that House Republicans are serious about fiscal responsibility.  I sincerely hope Mr. Flake will have the opportunity to send his message of open government and reform  to the American people.

It is time for a change. 

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