[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 11, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H3148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             EARMARK REFORM

  (Mr. FLAKE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, in about 1\1/2\ hours, President Obama is 
expected to announce major earmark reforms as he signs an omnibus 
spending bill with 9,000 earmarks. This gives voice to St. Augustine's 
lament, give me sobriety--but not yet.
  But Mr. Speaker, it is still a good thing. And it is still long 
overdue. And we still shouldn't have to look to the President to save 
us from ourselves. This earmark problem is our problem. But gratefully, 
I believe he will announce, and I hope that he will announce, that he 
will not sign legislation that will allow no-bid contracts, 
congressionally directed no-bid contracts, to go into effect. We have 
seen what that has done to the Congress, the kind of circular 
fundraising that happens and the campaign contributions that result. 
And it does not uphold the dignity and decorum of this body.
  So I hope we can make major earmark reforms with the President.

                          ____________________