The truth is that a lot of progress has already been made. On the first day of the new Congress, rules were adopted that...required that any member of Congress requesting a district-oriented earmark disclose in writing the name and address of the intended recipient, the purpose of the earmark, and whether the member has a financial interest in the organization or would benefit personally from the inclusion of the earmark. Full Story »
Posted by Lynn Caporale
The author is not a journalist, but was a senior staff member on the House Appropriations Committee in the 1990s, and thus is able to provide a great deal of information and perspective about the Earmarking process, and the status of proposed reforms. He clearly is exasperated at the political attempts of certain Republicans to claim that the Democrats are no better than they were, but anyone who is interested in the important issue of earmarks should read articles covering the "politics" in light of this background.
This is a fairly good rewrite of the release put out by Congressman Obey, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Not at all balanced or particularly accurate, except insofar as it tracks the party line.
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