For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 18, 2010   
Contact: John Donnelly - (202) 225-5211

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-9) issued the following statement ahead of his vote to ban the practice of earmark spending when the House Republican Conference considers the measure today:

“Americans view Congress as out-of-touch and out-of-control in large part because of earmark spending.  Tainted by backroom corruption and reckless expenditures, the earmark process has churned up cynicism and distrust for far too long.  My constituents in Georgia deserve better. 

“Today, I will vote to ban earmark spending and join House Republicans in reforming Congress into a transparent and accountable institution, worthy of the trust of the people we represent.  I believe this vote represents how our new House Majority will operate: less spending, and more listening.  I want to thank the Republican leaders in the House and Senate for making a united stand against earmarks and setting the tone for a fiscally responsible 112th Congress.”

Background:
On Monday, November 15th, Republican House and Senate leaders announced that they would host Conference votes in both chambers to ban earmark spending during the 112th Congress.

On Tuesday, November 16th, Senate Republicans approved the earmark ban.  House Republicans are expected to ban earmarks during a Conference meeting today, November 18th.

The text of the resolution is as follows:

          Resolved, that it is the policy of the House Republican Conference that no Member shall request a congressional earmark, limited tax benefit, or limited tariff benefit, as such terms have been described in the Rules of the House.