On the recordFebruary 3, 2010
I thank the gentleman. Let me just say, I mentioned that we have had examples in the past. Let me just give one where programs that were supposed to be competitively awarded were, in fact, earmarked. Last year we established a grant program called the Emergency Operation Centers. It was established by Congress in FY 2008, in the Homeland Security bill. Last year in the spending bill, it showed that 60 percent of the funds in this grant program were earmarked. We simply can't allow that to happen here. This is a $400 million authorization for this grant program, and we can't have it earmarked. I reserve the balance of my time.
