Franks Calls Earmark Moratorium One Crucial Step in the Right Direction of True Reform

For Immediate Release	Contact: Bethany Haley or Ben Carnes at 202-225-4576

Franks Calls Earmark Moratorium One Crucial Step in the Right Direction of True Reform

March 12, 2010 - Following the House Republican Conference's decision to enact a one-year moratorium on all earmarks, Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ) released the following statement: 

"Yesterday's decision to impose a one-year moratorium on Congressional earmarks was a necessary step toward finally enacting crucial and permanent reform that would force Congress stop its reckless, unsustainable spending. 

"While I firmly believe in the structure of our government clearly outlined in the U.S. Constitution, in which Congress is responsible for creating and maintaining the federal budget, I also firmly believe that the seemingly innumerable budget requests that have for so long plagued our system create an atmosphere that fosters political corruption. 

"I supported this initiative because it is critically important that we not only rein in spending on superfluous projects, but that we also mitigate the incentive to spend more money based on the effort to curry political favor with earmark recipients. 

"Ultimately, my hope is that Members of Congress see this moratorium as an opportunity and a mandate to finally enact a principled, truly transparent authorization and appropriations process  that accurately reflects both the Constitution and the integrity of the greatest nation in history."