Political Quotes

“Scripture states in Ephesians 5:6- 7, ``Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not be partakers with them.'' I want to talk about the truth. The fight against earmarks is a fight against abusing the legislative process to fund non-constitutional, Member pet projects--that usually lack any federal purpose--with the American taxpayer's money. Not all earmarks are bad, but the process has become so corrupted that it has led to blatant abuse--bridges to nowhere, teapot museums, tropical rainforests, wine centers in California, and other highly questionable items. In the past few years, literally thousands of earmarks have frequently been added in the dead of night, without any oversight, without hearings, without transparency, and without accountability. I signed a pledge this year not to seek earmarks until this process has been cleaned up, for which I have been attacked on all sides. Nevertheless, I will not partake in a corrupt process. It must be reformed, and I for one am willing to lead that fight. It is a fight that will determine if our children have a better standard of living than we do, or a worse standard of living. This bill has made the process more difficult to weed out the pork, instead of easier to eliminate real abuse of taxpayers' dollars.”