Dreier Signs On for Greater Earmark Transparency

September 20, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Rules Committee Ranking Republican, joined his Republican colleagues today in filing a discharge petition that calls on the House Democratic Leadership to restore earmark transparency rules to the higher standard that was in place in the previous Congress. H.Res. 479 would restore Republican-lead earmark reform that would apply transparency to appropriations, authorizing, and tax bills, and allow any member to challenge any earmark on the House floor. The discharge petition needs 217 signatures to force a vote on H.Res. 479.

"House Democrats said they would offer greater transparency on earmarks, but they have in fact gone backwards," Dreier said. "It’s a shame we even have to try to force a vote on something the Democrats promised they would do. If they were serious about their pledge, they would bring this resolution to the floor right away. The American people want and deserve greater transparency in the earmarking process. Republicans are ready and willing to fight for it. We hope the Democrats will join us in that fight."