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Today, House Budget Committee Republicans offered Rep. Devin Nunes’ earmark reform amendment to the 2010 Federal Budget.

“What we are talking about here is common sense reform. Transparency, accountability and limits – that is basically what I offered. This isn’t rocket science. I can’t understand why anyone would vote no and I am pretty sure the American people aren’t going to forget who they are. In fact, my colleagues and I will work to make certain they don’t,” said Rep. Nunes.
The Nunes earmark reform plan, which is contained in H. Res. 276, has been endorsed by the National Taxpayers Union as “an innovative solution that strengthens disclosure while establishing sensible limits.”

“Much attention is given to embarrassing earmarks – and rightfully so. However, the corruptibility of the process is where the institution of Congress is damaged. Earmarks aren’t inherently problematic, but when you have former members of Congress in jail for selling earmarks, there's something seriously wrong with the process. The Nunes proposal should be part of the House Budget plan and it merits consideration by the whole house,” said Budget Committee Ranking Republican Paul Ryan (R-WI).

The Nunes earmark reform plan would require Members of Congress to file all earmark requests with the Clerk of the House five days prior to consideration of legislation. It also limits the number of earmarks in legislation and the number of earmarks available to each elected member. Finally, the reform would prevent appropriators from consuming the bulk of earmarked dollars by ensuring projects are more evenly distributed.

“There is no question that the current earmarking process has contributed to corruption in Congress. The secrecy surrounding project funding and the failure of House leaders to allow sufficient time to examine earmarks has made policing them virtually impossible. Our country needs to have confidence in how Congress spends their tax dollars. The reforms I have proposed will go a long way towards restoring that confidence,” said Rep. Nunes.