FORTY-SECOND IN SIGNING DISCHARGE PETITION THAT WOULD BRING REFORM RESOLUTION TO THE HOUSE FLOOR

Washington, Sep 20, 2007 - “Earlier this year, I made all of my funding requests public and even put them on my web site,” stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  “This put me at a disadvantage because most members do not make their requests public.  I do not submit every request I receive, thus disappointing some of my constituents.  However, I believe that this transparency promotes better government.”
Today, Stearns joined in signing a discharge petition to bring up H.Res. 479, a resolution amending House rules to require the disclosure of earmarks and their sponsors in all bills, including authorization and tax bills; thus allowing House members to review, debate, and vote on these earmarks.  A discharge petition, if signed by a majority of House members, brings bills and resolutions directly to the House floor, overcoming any delaying tactics. This discharge petition continues Republican efforts to ensure that every Member has the opportunity to question a list of earmarks, or the statement that there are no earmarks, on all bills and conference reports.
Explained Stearns, “During the last Congress, House Republicans amended the Rules to require the full disclosure of earmarks in all bills, including authorization and tax bills. So far this Congress, Democrats have chosen not to continue this practice even though they promised more accountability and openness in government.  Allowing members to vote on earmarks will be a major step toward greater fiscal responsibility and toward restricting favors for special interests.”