John Ensign: “let me discuss this amendment very briefly. I want to be cooperative with the managers of the bill. I know they want to…”

“let me discuss this amendment very briefly. I want to be cooperative with the managers of the bill. I know they want to wrap up this legislation. This amendment is germane. We will have a recorded vote on this particular amendment, unless the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations agrees to a voice vote that we would win. Section 103 of this bill creates a new Senate rule. Each Senator knows that we create very few new Senate rules because the rules we create are hard to change once created. The rules we make today will govern the Senate's conduct for years to come. It is important we get language right the first time so we do not have any unintended consequences. Within the proposed rule in this bill is a definition of the term ``earmark.'' Many people in my home State of Nevada have heard the phrase earmark, as people across the country have. As taxpayers, Nevadans understand some earmarks can be costly, some can be beneficial. Earmarks are often the result of Senators using their influence to require Federal agencies to spend significant dollars in their States. In some cases, earmarks are given to State or local governments or charitable or philanthropic organizations. In many cases, these earmarks are justifiable. In many cases, these earmarks have a national impact and can be justified because they meet a national purpose. Each Senator has seen the abuse of the earmark process. That is why we have offered this amendment. To clear up abuses.…”