Sessions Signs Petition for Earmark Reform

Statement

Sessions Signs Petition for Earmark Reform

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) released the following statement today after joining over 100 other Members in signing a discharge petition to allow a vote on H.Res. 479, comprehensive earmark reform legislation that would ensure that all earmarks, regardless of the legislation, are publicly disclosed and subject to debate on the House floor.

"Last fall, Democrats promised voters that they would deliver honest and open government. Not only have they failed to keep their promises to the American people, but they have sought to reverse long-established transparency measures in a desperate effort to keep their earmarks from seeing the light of day.

"The American people deserve better.

"In June, my Republican colleagues and I forced the Democrat Majority to accept earmark reform for appropriations bills - reinstating Republican reforms implemented last Congress. Now we are fighting for more transparency and accountability by extending the reforms to all legislation, including tax and authorization bills. No legislation should serve as a loophole for unchallenged pork projects.

"I join my colleagues in calling upon House Democrats to put their promises into action by supporting this petition for transparent earmarks and fully implementing comprehensive reforms."

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