House Republicans Adopt Earmark Ban for the 112th Congress

Washington
(Nov 18)

House Republicans today joined Senate Republicans in adopting an earmark ban for the 112 th Congress.  The measure was offered by Rep.-elect Sean Duffy (R-WI), who was elected to the seat long held by Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-WI).  The Duffy motion was adopted by unanimous consent.  Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement:

“Earmarks have become a symbol of a Congress that has broken faith with the people.  This earmark ban shows the American people we are listening and we are dead serious about ending business as usual in Washington.  I applaud Rep.-elect Duffy for his leadership on this critical issue.  He and the rest of his historic class of House freshmen are here because Washington Democrats refused to listen to the American people and stop the spending binge that threatens our children’s futures.

“House and Senate Republicans are now united in adopting earmark bans.  We hope President Obama will follow through on his support for an earmark ban by pressing Democratic leaders to join House and Senate Republicans in taking this critical step to restore public trust.”

NOTE : In an op-ed for POLITICO , Rep.-elect Duffy writes about the importance of listening to the American people and banning earmarks.