Jeff Flake: “The problem that we have pointed out over and over is that the earmark rules that have been adopted allow the majority…”

“The problem that we have pointed out over and over is that the earmark rules that have been adopted allow the majority simply to state in the Record that there are no earmarks, regardless of whether that is true or not. In this case, clearly it is not. Yet when the time is right to challenge, when a point of order can be lodged against consideration of the bill, the minority or anybody who wants to challenge in the majority or minority is without recourse. So clearly this needs to be addressed. Clearly this bill does have earmarks. I would appeal to the majority to please tighten up the rules so we can actually have an honest debate.”