Jeff Flake: “I think that is simply wrong. That is simply wrong. An earmark, by very definition, is a sole source contract. It is…”

“I think that is simply wrong. That is simply wrong. An earmark, by very definition, is a sole source contract. It is circumventing the competitive bidding process. Maybe you don't like what the bureaucrats over in the Defense Department do, but to say that this is a competitively bid contract is simply wrong. To say that the U.S. taxpayer has rights to the technology developed with the companies that are getting these earmarks, is simply wrong as well. If anybody can contradict, please take time. But let's not defend these earmarks on that basis when that's simply wrong. Any way, let's get to this one. This earmark, I am sorry, this amendment would eliminate $1 million for the Marine Desalination Systems, Inc., in St. Petersburg, Florida, for atmospheric water harvesting and reduce the cost of the bill by a corresponding amount.”