In a letter where you can almost hear his frustration, Appropriations Chairman asked the members of the House to check off whether they wanted earmarks this year or not. The letter was complete with boxes in which to mark the “X” and the spin was evident: “I believe the House should continue to provide responsible earmarks at a responsible level and consistent with that position, I will be submitting appropriate requests for fiscal year 2009.” (emphasis added) I guess if you check that box it means you have to agree that 12,884 earmarks worth $18.3 billion is responsible.

My sources indicate that Republican leadership has advised Republican members to not check any box and write back:

“I support bringing the Kingston-Wolf Earmark Reform Commission to the floor and I support an earmark moratorium during the period in which the Committee is meeting.”

Stunts like this or the Republicans asking Democrats to support a moratorium are not get taxpayers more transparency or more accountability in how their tax dollars are being spent. Both parties need to stop the schoolyard antics, improve transparency, reduce earmarked spending and make the system understandable and accountable. Real progress was made last year, but there is still a way to go. We urge Congress to adopt a moratorium, get their spending house in order and go about the people’s business.