Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Big Spending on Earmarks, The GOP Way


We all know that the Republican led federal government has been spending like there is no tomorrow. We also know that Congress has almost always had tons of earmark/pork spending attached to almost every bill and budget.

One thing that I don't think most people realize is just how much the earmark/pork spending has gone up under the Republican leadership. In a press release by Congressman Mark Kennedy (D-Minnesota), he reveals that in 1996 there were only 958 appropriation earmarks. In 2005 there was a record 14,000! That amounts to an over 1300% increase in earmarks under largely Republican rule.

Another thing that most people don't know is that these types of appropriations can be done anonymously. So no wonder it has gone up so much! A member of Congress can in effect bestow federal money on any pet project back in their home districts and never be held accountable for the spending spree.

I have a question here. Mark Green has been in Congress since 1998, what has he ever done to curb this free for all? What about F. Jim Sensenbrenner? Has he been part of the problem or part of the solution? In an effort to gain a prominent position Paul Ryan is lecturing others on spending. What legislation has he ever authored to stop this abuse of the American Taxpayer? This massive increase in spending has been under Republican rule, the onus is on them. How long will it take them to get their act together? Perhaps a better question is how long will it take for Taxpayers to revolt?

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