Scott Garrett: “I come to the floor this late evening, dedicated defender of the Constitution, to engage, as we do each Thursday…”

“I come to the floor this late evening, dedicated defender of the Constitution, to engage, as we do each Thursday evening, part of the Congressional Constitution Caucus, as we go into this Memorial Day weekend work period. Tonight I am here to discuss a topic that has been in the media for some time of late, earmarks and the appropriate role that your tax dollars and the Federal Government should have with them. I am here to inject just another thought into this discussion. While Members enjoy the opportunity to brag about all the money that they bring home to their districts through earmarks, you have to ask the question, is the process of earmarking really the best for all parties involved, for the States, for the districts, for the projects, for the people who eventually receive those monies? Remember this: Money for earmarks is not new money we order to be printed from the Bureau of Engraving every time we pass an appropriation bill. It is, of course, simply dollars that have been taken from the Treasury, money that has been collected from Federal taxes, money that has been raised, obviously, by the hardearned taxpayers back home and sent to Washington D.C. Also, those listening to a dialogue also have to remember that it is simply not a dollar-for-dollar cycle. Some of that money that we spent is spent on fees and expenses and Federal employees' salaries. The Federal Government, as big as ours is, believe it or not, is expensive to run.…”