Blog Archives
Where the Candidates Stand: George Allen on Earmarks
This is the first part in a series that CCC will be running for the 2012 Republican U.S. Senate Primary. Yes, I know 2012 is some time away, but it never hurts to use this as a reference throughout the year to ponder. The first part in this series focuses on earmarks, and it does not count as an endorsement of any candidate featured.
When George Allen was serving in the U.S. Senate, he was voted against legislation that included government waste and would abuse the taxpayer dollars. When it came to the Senate voting on funding the “Bridge to Nowhere,” Allen was one of fifteen Senators at the time who voted in favor of shifting funding to help New Orleans and surrounding region recover from the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Allen has been criticized in the past for supporting earmarks. However, Allen voted in favor of earmark reform in the Senate, as he supported legislation that would create a 60-vote point of order against earmarks added in conference to appropriations or authorization bill (the earmark would be killed if point of order was upheld). Allen also voted in favor of expanding the definition of earmarks and to increase transparency. In terms of transparency, Allen was co-sponsor of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, which passed the Senate. Additionally, Allen has spoken out in support of the work that Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) has been doing in terms of eliminating earmarks. In his blog entry, Allen said:
“The people have spoken. Travelling around Virginia the past few months, one thing is clear
to me: Virginians and Americans are tired of wasteful Bridges to Nowhere, orchid gardens
in Pittsburgh, and indoor rainforests in Iowa. These wasteful projects have tainted their view
of all earmarks. And, the Republicans should forego earmarks and cut much more spending
than just earmarks. I am proud of the leadership that Eric Cantor, Jim DeMint and others
showed on this issue.”
During the 2012 elections, there will be no doubt that the economy will still be one of the most important issues in the U.S. Senate race in Virginia. Government spending reforms need to be addressed by every candidate.
Senator Webb Votes for Earmarks
The U.S. Senate voted today to allow the practice of earmarks to be continued. The earmark moratorium, introduced by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), was voted down 56-39 in a roll call vote. Virginia’s Senators were split on the issue, as Sen. Jim Webb voted against the earmark moratorium and Sen. Mark Warner voted for the moratorium.
Americans for Prosperity-Virginia Chapter released a statement about the earmark moratorium vote. AFPVA State Director Ben Marchi said:
“Evidently, too many members of the United States Senate did not hear the overwhelming voices of the citizens of America on Election Day earlier this month. Sadly, Jim Webb is one of those who continued to ignore the people’s clearly-expressed frustration with the runaway growth of the federal government. Senator Webb had a choice today: stand with the people, or stand with government. Unfortunately, he chose the latter.
“Earmarks may well win votes with government largesse in carefully chosen locations in home states and districts, but they are poisonous to the notion of open, efficient and responsible governance. Jim Webb showed that he views the taxpayers’ wallets as 24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week ATMs for legislators to use at their whim.
“As disappointing as Webb’s vote was, Senator Mark Warner’s vote was equally as encouraging. His vote in support of the measure was refreshing in that it recognized that spending must have its limits, even in Washington, D.C.”
Why doesn’t it surprise me that Webb voted against the moratorium? Webb has always been passionate about earmarks. Perhaps, Webb might regret that love come 2012.
Stimulus Outrage: What will the Government waste our money on next?
What will the Federal Government waste the taxpayers’ money on next? It goes without saying that the government bureaucrats in Washington will find creative ways to utilize the money coming from the Stimulus. After all, the American people thought that the funds would create more jobs and help boost our economy, but unemployment numbers continue to rise (and will continue to rise, especially if the “finalized” health care reform bill is passed). However, the American taxpayer would be livid to know what exactly the stimulus will be boosting…pet projects. Let’s just take a look at the pet projects that will be created under the stimulus. Thanks to Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) for uncovering these projects.
- How does an “Almost Empty” Mall being awarded an energy grant sound? Price tag: $5 Million
- If you’re interested, Digital Television Advertising Agency will create three jobs…but you better apply fast, as they will be gone in a flash. Price tag: $5.9 Million
- If working for a Digital Television Advertising Agency does not float your boat, then how does researching in the development of supersonic corporate jets sound or studying the learning patterns of honeybees sound? Price tag: $4.7 Million for the corporate jets study and $210,000 for studying honeybees
- It looks like the Stimulus will also create a program to control household appliances from a remote location. Awesome, huh? Price tag: $787,250
- How would you like to climb aboard the wine train and get your groove on? Price tag: $54 Million
- Perhaps, while you are on the wine train, your children can watch anti-capitalist, socially-conscious puppet shows. Entertainment with a cause…yeah right Price tag: $100,000
- Do you live in Buffalo? If so, the Stimulus will create a job in your city that involves journaling your malt liquor and marijuana usage. I guess this will help soothe you after the horrible 6-14 record of the Buffalo Bills. Price tag: $389,357
- Lastly, how does a visit from Bobber the Water Safety Dog sound? I hear he is quite the hit at birthday parties. Price tag: $21,116
What other wasteful programs will the government spend the taxpayers’ money on next? I guess we will have to wait to find out.
