Hoyer Releases Congressional Appropriations Project Requests
"As of part of a sweeping set of reforms instituted by the Democratic Congress, all Congressional project requests I am making for the next fiscal year are posted on my website for public review," stated Congressman Hoyer. "I am supporting these projects because I believe they are worthy initiatives that will provide substantial benefit to meet local, state and regional priorities in public safety, national defense, economic development, education and transportation."
Since gaining the majority in 2007, House Democrats have taken unprecedented steps to increase the accountability and transparency of Congressional spending initiatives. As a result of sweeping reforms, Members of Congress are now required to post project requests - not just those included in final legislation - on their websites, along with an explanation of why it is a good use of taxpayer money. Other reforms include certification that Members and their spouses have no personal financial interest in the request; Executive Branch review to ensure projects meet the goals of established law; and new restrictions requiring a competitive bidding process for requests on behalf of for-profit entities.
"The constitution gave Congress the power of the purse, and I believe it is important for Members of Congress, who know the needs of their constituents, to be able to support worthy, targeted projects that improve the communities in their districts and states," said Hoyer. "At the same time, it is critical that Congress be vigilant in spending taxpayer money and that there is strong accountability and oversight governing that process. That is why the Democratic -led Congress has instituted these sweeping reforms."
In addition, Democrats have significantly reduced the dollar amount of earmarks, cutting them by more than 43 percent below the FY06 level, the last year earmarks were approved under a Republican-controlled Congress. For the FY10 bills, earmark funding levels will be reduced to 50 percent below the FY06 level. In 2007, Democrats imposed a moratorium on earmarks.
Submission of Member requests is the first step in the appropriations process. Requests will now be vetted by the subcommittees with appropriate executive agency input and may or may not be included in the House bills or enacted into law. Modifications to requests are possible pending the release of the details of the President's budget.
Click here for a one-page history of earmark reforms implemented by House Democrats
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