Frank Lautenberg: “I oppose the Coburn motion to place a 3-year moratorium on earmarks. Earmarks are a vital investment for our…”

“I oppose the Coburn motion to place a 3-year moratorium on earmarks. Earmarks are a vital investment for our communities. They help build levees, dams that protect coastal towns from flooding. Look at the water shortages across the country. A lot of these are helped by earmarks, by congressionally designated programs. We earmark funds for waste and drinking water problems, very serious problems. These are not frivolous ideas. They help police departments, first responders, hospital upgrades, and the purchase of new equipment. Look at transportation. It is falling apart. These earmarks, congressionally designated, build roads, bridges, and rail stations that strengthen our transportation infrastructure.”