Department Of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008--Continued

Floor Speech

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008--Continued -- (House of Representatives - June 12, 2007)

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, the Democrats campaigned on transparency, and I will give you a quote again from Speaker of the House. ``We will bring transparency and openness to the budget process and to the use of earmarks, and we will give the American people the leadership they deserve.''

Majority leader: ``We are going to adopt rules that make the system of legislation transparent so that we don't legislate in the dark of the night.'' And I think we're in the dark of the night right now.

We need to have earmarks subject to more debate. That's what debate and public awareness is all about. Democracy works if people know what's going on.

Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman DAVID PRICE, the bill we're debating tonight: ``This bill mandates that all grant and contract funds be awarded through full and open competitive processes, except when other funding distribution mechanisms are required by statute.''

``This approach creates a level playing field and also ensures that there are no congressional or administration earmarks in the bill.''

Again, we don't know what is here.

The Rules Committee chairwoman: ``Our rules package requires full disclosure of earmarks in all bills and conference reports before Members are asked to vote on them,'' House floor remarks, January 4, 2007.

Folks, there is some hypocrisy going on here, and that is what we are calling you on. You promised a different process.

The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman will direct her remarks to the Chair.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, the majority party promised a new process. We are not getting that new process.

Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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