The Most Ethical 'Democratic' Congress Keeps Slush Fund for Secret Earmarks

I am sure we all remember Congress Critter Nancy Pelosi stating that the 110th Congress would be the most ethical Congress in History [Lefty Link]. Hopefully, none of you were driving, or had food in your mouth when you heard it. In my opinion, the most ethical Congress would be one that was composed entirely of Freshmen in their first term as public officials, but I digress...on to the story!

After election year promises of “the most ethical and open Congress in history,” transparency, House Democrats will include slush funds for billions in secret earmarks in each appropriations bill considered this year. House Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-WI) has announced that secret earmarks will be inserted into the bills during conference committee – AFTER the bills have been considered on the House floor.

Source: RSC Blog


Putting the earmarks in AFTER passage on the floor sounds a bit...Unconstitutional to me, and an extremely underhanded way of establishing 'plausible deniability' at election time. Another plank of our Republic is in danger of being spirited away to Back Room Deals.

For those interested in voicing their opinion on this matter, the House of Representatives Switchboard is 202-225-3121. From there, you can be connected with the office of any Representative so that you might discuss your concerns on this issue with the staff of your selected Representative.