March 10: Statement on Earmark Reform

Congresswoman Kaptur released the following statement today following the Democratic Caucus' decision to further limit earmarks in the Fiscal Year 2010 appropriations process:

"Chairman Obey deserves credit for taking unprecedented steps to reform earmark procedures and eliminating the potential for abuse.

"Under his leadership, the committee has increased transparency, cut the dollar amount of earmarks almost by half, and now limited earmarks to non-profit entities.

"The record is clear: the Republicans took none of these steps when they were in power. The Obey reforms will cut earmarks by 1,000 projects. Under the Republicans, earmarks increased by more than 1,000 percent. Every American who cares about clean government can understand that simple math.

"Chairman Obey has struck the proper balance between retaining a role for the legislative branch in funding worthy projects and eliminating any potential for abuse.

"The bottom line: worthy requests from non-profit organizations such as universities and local governments will stand an even better chance than before these reforms were announced.

"And small businesses with a better mousetrap will have a direct opportunity to present their ideas to the Department of Defense to improve the efficiency of keeping our nation safe."

Click here to view the press release from the House Appropriations Committee.

Click here to view the fact sheet on the recent history of earmark reform.