Finally something bipartisan!
By laglen
@laglen (19759)
United States
March 17, 2010 7:33am CST
[i]http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35901626/ns/politics-capitol_hill/
WASHINGTON - The Senate on Tuesday easily killed a move by conservative Republicans to temporarily ban senators from earmarking spending bills with back-home projects like roads, water projects and grants to local governments.
Fifteen Republicans joined with most Democrats in rejecting the moratorium on earmarks by a 68-29 vote. [/i]
The reason being
[i]Defenders of earmarks say they represent but a small portion of the overall budget, are a legitimate way for lawmakers to exercise Congress' power of the purse, and that they know the needs of their states better than agency bureaucrats.
"We will have these decisions made by unelected bureaucrats in back rooms of agencies scattered all over this city," said Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii. "I don't understand why those who are the most opposed to the policies of the current president are so intent on putting additional power into his hands and those who serve the executive branch." [/i]
I believe it is their power in question. Who would give it up willingly?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@gewcew23 (8007)
• United States
17 Mar 10
Well that was expected, even the fifteen Republicans was no surprise to me. Back in 07 with a Senate controlled by the Democrats the three top porkers were all Republicans. Politicians love the power to spend someone else's money. I must be honest the power to be able to spend someone else's money must be intoxicating.
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