Sweeping Earmark Reform Measure Fails In U.S. House Vote
 

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass a sweeping earmark reform measure Thursday in Washington, DC by a vote of 204-196. The vote on the Republican sponsored measure fell primarily upon party lines, with only seven Democrats voting for the measure which would have put in place a monumental moratorium on Congressional earmarks while also creating a Joint Committee on Earmark Reform.

"Our federal government must follow the example of every Iowa family and learn to live within its means," noted Iowa Congressman Latham a strong supporter of the earmark reform measure. "The American people have made a resounding call for change and reform of the wasteful spending of tax dollars. This failed vote was an important opportunity to curb out-of-control pork spending."

Congressional earmarks are a growing problem for American taxpayers. According to the Congressional Research Service they have grown from nearly non-existent in the 1970's to more than 15,000 in 2005. And, with the debt of the United States growing at about $1 million a minute ($1.4 billion a day), the growing trend of Congressional earmarks in bills is not making the financial outlook any better.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) joined the overwhelming number of House Democrats who chose not to support the earmark moratorium and reform efforts. House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) said, "House Republicans regret Speaker Pelosi's decision to keep the earmark factory open. Middle-class families are fed up with Washington politicians squandering their hard-earned money, particularly at a time when families are struggling with the rising cost of living."
 

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