Russ Feingold: “this amendment establishes a new 60- vote point of order against unauthorized earmarks on appropriations bills and…”

“this amendment establishes a new 60- vote point of order against unauthorized earmarks on appropriations bills and requires recipients of Federal funds to disclose their lobbying expenses. Opponents argue this point of order does nothing about so-called Presidential earmarks or earmarks on authorizing bills. I am happy to consider a proposal targeting those things, but taxpayers aren't going to buy the excuse that I voted against it because it wasn't tough enough. Last year, President Obama said: We can no longer accept the process that doles out earmarks based on a Member of Congress's seniority rather than the merit of the project. We can no longer accept an earmarks process that has become so complicated to navigate the municipality or nonprofit group has to hire high-priced D.C. lobbyists. My colleagues, if we want to do something about earmarks, vote for this amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Whitehouse). The Senator's time has expired. Who yields time in opposition?”