Doc Hastings: “I am concerned with the level of earmark funding in this authorization conference report, and I am concerned that the…”

“I am concerned with the level of earmark funding in this authorization conference report, and I am concerned that the House rules are flawed when it comes to the enforceability of earmarks. House Republicans believe every earmark should be debatable on the House floor, and for the last several months we have made repeated attempts to close loopholes in the House rules as they relate to earmarks. So, Madam Speaker, today I will again be asking my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question so that I can amend the rule to allow the House to immediately consider House Resolution 479 introduced by Republican Leader Boehner that would improve the House rules and allow the House to debate openly and honestly the validity and accuracy of earmarks contained in all bills. We must defeat the previous question so that American taxpayers are no longer left wondering what hidden earmarks are contained in bills before the House and this Congress.”