Baldwin Comments On Appropriations Changes
Press Release
The House Appropriations Committee today announced that it will not approve requests for earmarks that are directed to for-profit entities. Earmarks are requests for federal funds made directly by a Member of Congress as part of the appropriations process for projects in their districts.
Today's announcement builds on significant earmark reforms implemented by the House over the past three years to make the process more merit-based and transparent.
A program will be established to provide an opportunity for businesses -- especially small innovative start-up companies with no inside Pentagon connections -- to present their good ideas and products to the Defense Department.
Businesses will be able to apply, but the Defense Department, not Congress, will choose which for-profit projects will be funded. With this change, the Committee is ensuring that any for-profit entity applying for federal funding will earn that funding in a competitive process based on the merits.
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) issued the following statement in response to today's announcement:
"I have always worked within the rules to be sure that Wisconsin receives its fair share of federal funds for local projects worthy of public support. My earmark requests are based on community support for projects that create jobs, increase economic development, improve health care, and protect the environment. Many of the projects generated by emerging local businesses for which I've secured funds in the past have specifically benefited our troops in the field -- reducing traumatic brain injuries, preventing infections, detecting toxins, and healing wounds. Projects like these have tremendous potential to create jobs here in Wisconsin while helping to protect and care for people throughout our state, the nation, and the world.
I am pleased that the new changes will require the Pentagon to provide meaningful access for local businesses to compete on a level playing field for public support of worthy projects."
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