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House Republicans mull earmark changes |
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By Jackie Kucinich
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Posted: 01/25/08 08:01 PM [ET] |
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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – House Republicans met at the Greenbrier Hotel Friday afternoon to discuss whether they should embrace significant earmark reform, which may include a moratorium on earmarking until 2009.
According to sources familiar with the discussions inside the room, the idea of the ban has caught on as a growing number of members are warming to a pork-free diet.
The sources said an initial vote taken to gauge interest in the moratorium revealed more interest than previously thought. However, it is far from certain how House Republicans will proceed.
The negotiations could continue Friday night and go into Saturday morning, according to other sources familiar with the discussions.
“The earmark process has become a symbol of a broken Washington,” Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said in a statement about the discussions. “If we’re going to earn back our majority, we have to show the American people we’ll fix it.”
He added, “There are various views on earmarks within our Conference. But we can all agree the status quo is unacceptable.”
The moratorium proposal was unveiled last week by conservative Reps. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Mike Pence (R-Ind.) and Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas).
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