Appropriations Policy
"I am honored to have the opportunity to advance the interests of the people of the Sixth Congressional District by seeking projects, in an honest and transparent way, that create jobs and support our local communities."
--Congressman Mike Pence
PUBLIC NOTICE
Congressman Pence supports overhauling the appropriations and project request process, including the system used for requests from local communities and public and private entities. While representatives of the people should maintain their Constitutional right to direct funds to local communities, the process should be conducted in the light of day for all to see.
Congressman Pence is an original cosponsor of a resolution establishing a Joint Select Committee on Earmark Reform. The resolution calls for a temporary moratorium on appropriations requests and the appointment of a bipartisan, bicameral commission to recommend necessary reforms. Until this resolution is passed, Congressman Pence will continue to abide by the following principles with respect to appropriations requests:
Post all requests made of the Appropriations Committee on behalf of his district by the House Appropriations request deadline.
Confine requests made of the Appropriations Committee first to the Sixth District of Indiana, and second to the State of Indiana.
Work to ensure members have the right to review, critique and vote upon specific projects deemed to be a waste of taxpayer dollars.
Support efforts to include all requests in bill text with the name of the member who placed the request, and allow sufficient time for members to review those projects prior to voting on the bill.
All applications must be confined to the State of Indiana, and preferably to the Sixth District of Indiana. Applications showing a comprehensive plan of action, including proven efforts to obtain state and local funding, will enhance an applicant's chances of success. Applicants must show that the request serves a federal interest and/or have a federal nexus. Additionally, if the request is from a program that has been authorized, the request will be given added weight.
Congressman Pence’s office will evaluate each individual submission to determine the merit of the request. Before any request is submitted to the appropriate subcommittee(s) it must meet one or more of the following criteria:
Public Safety
Health and Welfare
Critical Infrastructure
Economic Development
Educational Research for Technological & Economic Development
The Congressman will not submit requests for the economic relief of private businesses or individuals, requests solely to be used for entertainment, recreation or beautification projects, or requests for increases in program funding.
Once the House Appropriations deadline for submission of requests has passed, the Congressman will request no further projects until the following year’s Appropriations cycle.
Appropriations Requests
Fiscal Year 2008 Requests
Fiscal Year 2008 Requests Received
Fiscal Year 2009 Requests
