U.S. Senator Pat Roberts

During the 112th Congress, I am supporting a moratorium on congressionally directed spending, often referred to as “earmarks.”

This moratorium was adopted by the Senate Republican Conference, and later endorsed by the Democratic Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, at a time when our nation is confronting the largest deficit we have ever faced. With unemployment hovering around nine percent and an economy that is still struggling to get past the recent recession, we all have to tighten our belts. I share Kansans’ concerns about out-of-control federal spending during these extraordinarily difficult times. An earmark moratorium is an important step in reining in government.

Every year during my service in the Senate, I have received hundreds of requests from Kansas constituents asking for federal money for a particular program. I think many Kansans would be surprised to know that in 2010 alone, the spending requests that I received from cities, counties, and universities around the state topped $2 billion. In the past, when I have deemed a project worthy of federal tax dollars – aimed at improving the lives and needs of Kansans -- I have always been transparent in making these requests by publicly attaching my name to the project. Kansans have a right to this information and should know how I have prioritized my spending decisions on Kansas’ behalf.

During the moratorium, I know that there will be some Kansans seeking federal assistance who will be disappointed by my decision to forego earmarks. But I believe that during an unprecedented spending crisis, it is in the best interest of Kansans and our country.

You can click here to view my 2011 Fiscal Year Appropriations Requests.