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For Immediate Release
September 14, 2006 |
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Shays Votes for Improved
Earmark Transparency
Washington, D.C. – Today Congressman Christopher Shays
(R-CT) supported legislation to improve transparency of earmark
sponsors. H. Res. 1000 passed the U.S. House of Representatives
today by a vote of 245 to 171.
Shays and Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA) have introduced
a comprehensive
package of ethics reforms, the Ethics and Lobbying
Reform Act, that would strengthen the ethics process, improve
lobbying disclosure, end gift-giving on Capitol Hill and institute
reasonable travel reforms.
The following is Shays’ statement on H. Res. 1000:
“I urge support of H.Res. 1000, which will require
disclosure of earmark sponsors in the text of any legislation
considered in the House. This is a common-sense change that
should improve the transparency of the earmarking process
and eliminate questions about who is really behind the funding
of thousands of projects.
“I believe securing federal funding for local projects
can be an important role for a member of Congress, so long
as the project meets basic requirements. I use two tests to
determine whether to seek funding. First, I ensure that transportation
projects have the support of the local chief executive, regional
planning agency and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
“Secondly, I apply my "community meeting"
test. If I can't justify the funding to constituents, I know
it's not a project I should support.
“Earmarks have funded a broad array of transportation
projects in the Fourth Congressional District, including the
Bridgeport Intermodal Center, the Norwalk Pulse Point Improvement
project, and the Stamford Urban Transitway, and projects promoting
urban development in our urban areas and education.
“Unfortunately, projects like Alaska’s "Bridge
to Nowhere," taint views of all congressionally-directed
funding.
“I do not believe adoption of this resolution today
lessens the need for comprehensive lobbying and ethics reform,
because today’s action still does not prevent the type
of behavior we have witnessed in recent months. The resolution
does provide additional sunlight on the process, however,
which I think we can all agree is a good thing.”
Contact: Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541
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