House GOP Reverses Ban on Earmarks

[DonViejo]

March 17, 2021 at 11:47 am EDT By Taegan Goddard

Jake Sherman reports that the House Republican Conference has voted to reverse its internal ban on requesting earmarks.

Link to tweet

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https://politicalwire.com/2021/03/17/house-gop-reverses-ban-on-earmarks/

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House GOP votes to embrace the return of earmarks

Many Republicans felt like they would be at a disadvantage if they decided not to participate while Democrats reaped the rewards of the practice.

By MELANIE ZANONA and CAITLIN EMMA

03/17/2021 12:03 PM EDT

House Republicans agreed on Wednesday to lift their decade-long ban on earmarks — a major reversal that will enable the GOP to take advantage of a once-controversial spending practice soon to be revived by Democrats.

Republicans approved a resolution offered by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) that would allow their members to request a congressional earmark, as long as certain criteria are met. GOP lawmakers would need to publicly disclose the earmark, include a written justification for the project and verify that they have no financial stake in it, among other requirements. The secret-ballot vote was 102-84, according to sources familiar with the count.

Democrats have already announced similar reforms in their plan to bring back earmarks. But with the majority party planning to soon bring back the spending practice, many Republicans felt like they would be at a huge disadvantage if they decided not to participate while Democrats reaped the rewards of the spending practice. Not to mention that Republicans are feeling good about their chances of reclaiming the House majority next year.

Earmark proponents have argued that allowing lawmakers to ensure money for specific projects would restore power to the legislative branch and shift it away from the Biden administration. They also believe a return to earmarks will help make the institution more functional: The practice can be a useful tool for congressional leaders who are trying to corral votes for bills.

more
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/17/house-gop-ends-earmark-ban-476696

[Me.]

1. So...?

It means nothing

[czarjak]

2. Pretty sure it means something no good is afoot if The Rich White Guy Party is involved.