OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Diaz-Balart Statement Regarding Earmark Reform and Tax-As-You-Go

Date: Jan. 9, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Taxes Government Budget and Spending


Diaz-Balart Statement Regarding Earmark Reform and Tax-As-You-Go

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) today released the following statement regarding his vote last week against the Title IV section of the Rules Package.

"Last Friday, I voted against the Title IV section of the Rules solely because it included a Democrat provision that would allow tax increases to offset more government spending. This was after Democrats made it easier to pass tax hikes, now requiring only 218 votes.

"There was much in that section of the Rules package that I strongly endorse, including attaching Member names to all earmarks. In fact, earlier that day, I voted for a motion that included earmark reform language requiring all bills to include a list of earmarks with the sponsoring Member's name, name and address of the recipient, and purpose of the earmark.

"Although that particular motion did not pass, I continue to strongly support transparency and oversight with any federal funding. Members of Congress should be held accountable for their funding requests and responsible reform will help eliminate wasteful spending."

http://www.house.gov/mariodiaz-balart/news/2007news/010907_earmarkstatement.htm

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