Nick Rahall: “First I want to read through the rules of the House and what I understand is a congressional earmark. Under clause 9 of…”

“First I want to read through the rules of the House and what I understand is a congressional earmark. Under clause 9 of rule XXI, a congressional earmark is defined as a provision included at the request of a Member authorizing or recommending spending authority for an entity or targeted to a specific locality or congressional district. The amendment before us qualifies as a congressional earmark. The gentleman from New Mexico specifically is requesting the provision. In addition, the amendment authorizes spending authority for Dona Ana County, New Mexico. Subsection (b)(2) states: ``Any amount received by the County for the conveyance,'' which clearly contemplates the county receiving funding pursuant to this provision. Therefore, the amendment qualifies as a congressional earmark under clause 9 of rule XXI. Moreover, under clause 17 of rule XXII of the rules of the House regarding Members' Code of Conduct, a Member requesting a congressional earmark must provide a written statement to the chair and ranking member certifying that neither the Member nor his spouse has a financial interest in the earmark. I don't question that at all here, but I am just saying what the rules are. Mr. Chairman, I understand that the rule waives all points of order against the amendment.…”