Aderholt Statement On The GOP Earmark Moratorium

CONGRESSMAN ROBERT ADERHOLT STATEMENT ON THE HOUSE GOP EARMARK MORATORIUM

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today issued the following statement after House Republicans adopted a one year moratorium on all earmarks, including tax and trade-related earmarks:

“For many Americans, the earmark process has become a symbol of why Washington is broken. However for myself, the use of earmarks has proven to be an effective way to assist many rural communities across the 4th Congressional District of Alabama.”

“During my service in Congress, I have requested funding for worthy north Alabama projects in an open manner which makes sure the process is transparent. Whether it be for much-needed police equipment to help protect individuals from harm, funding help for a drug task force to fight the meth problem across our state or aid for a water project to help bring jobs into a rural area, my funding requests have been for deserving projects, unlike some of the outlandish earmarks that have made all the national headlines in the past.”

“The problem with earmarks hasn’t been spending, since earmarks make up less than 1% of the annual budget and all of the money would be spent by federal agencies anyway. The most effective way to reign in the government deficit is to reform bureaucratic spending.”

“The founding fathers rightfully gave Congress the power of the purse in the Constitution. One of the fears that I, along with other members of Congress, have in simply handing earmark power to the Obama administration is that the majority of federal taxpayer dollars may be distributed to states with large urban cities, like New York and California, and rural states like Alabama may simply be left out.”

“Nevertheless, in order to win back the trust of the American people, I will abide by this temporary moratorium and join House Republicans in leading the way to repair Congress’ reputation. The corruption surrounding unethical earmarks must end and I support addressing this issue.”

“As it relates to appropriated funding for the nation, I will continue to work with the Alabama delegation to help ensure that Alabama receives its’ fair share of federal funding.”

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