J. Exon: “Year after year, billions of the taxpayers' dollars are larded across the Nation for pork barrel projects created at the…”

“Year after year, billions of the taxpayers' dollars are larded across the Nation for pork barrel projects created at the behest of our fellow Members. This is nothing new. Each session, Congress persists in passing appropriations bill groaning with this type of spending for individual projects in a Members home State or district. Pork barrel spending has become a symbol of political prowess and effectiveness. Members can stump back home, claiming that they have the clout to deliver these projects to their constituents. Although some of these projects no doubt have their merit, pork barrel spending has become an emblem of out of control spending. Pork is Congress' shameful scarlet letter. Ideally, Congress should exhibit the type of self-restraint and sacrifice that would swiftly put this wasteful practice to an end. We owe that to future generations of Americans and to our commitment to continue to reduce the deficit. However, I am a realist and I know that while some Members would voluntarily refrain from pork barrel spending, others would continue with business as usual. Mr. President, the American people are fed up with business as usual. It's time to change the Nation's spending habits.”