Christopher Shays: “I urge support of H. Res. 1000, which will require disclosure of earmark sponsors in the text of any legislation…”

“I urge support of H. Res. 1000, which will require disclosure of earmark sponsors in the text of any legislation considered in the House. This is a common-sense change that should improve the transparency of the earmarking process and eliminate questions about who is really behind the funding of thousands of projects. I believe securing federal funding for local projects can be an important role for a member of Congress, so long as the project meets basic requirements. I use two tests to determine whether to seek funding. First, I ensure that transportation projects have the support of the local chief executive, regional planning agency and the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Secondly, I apply my ``community meeting'' test. If I can't justify the funding to constituents, I know it's not a project I should support. Earmarks have funded a broad array of transportation projects in the Fourth Congressional District, including the Bridgeport Intermodal Center, the Norwalk Pulse Point Improvement project, and the Stamford Urban Transitway, and projects promoting urban development in our urban areas and education. Unfortunately, projects like Alaska's ``Bridge to Nowhere,'' taint views of all congressionally-directed funding. I do not believe adoption of this resolution today lessens the need for comprehensive lobbying and ethics reform, because today's action still does not prevent the type of behavior we have witnessed in recent months.…”