Earmarks Are ‘What We’re Supposed to Do’

Didn't Obama promise numerous times that he would end earmarks? Heck when he gave us the failed stimulus bill he promised that that would be the last time a bill would have those earmarks. Obama better grow some balls and tell Congress that he wont sign any bills with earmarks in them like he had promise so many times in the past.  Obama needs to start acting like a leader and keep him promises.

Washington Times reports:

Preparing for a final showdown on the massive $1.1 trillion spending bill, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid defended the thousands of earmarks in the measure as the basic function of Congress.
“That’s our job. That‘s what we’re supposed to do,” Mr. Reid, Nevada Democrat, said as he chastised fellow senators who, while having requested pork-barrel spending earlier this year, are now decrying their inclusion in the spending bill.
Mr. Reid challenged those senators to voluntarily agree to strip their own earmarks out of the bill, and said so far, nobody has taken him up on that.

Could It Be Republicans Call For Ban On For-Profit Earmarks

:From The Hill House Republicans approved a conference-wide moratorium on earmarks on Thursday, one day after a House committee enacted a ban on for-profit earmarks. 

The Republicans' moratorium is more extensive than the House Appropriations Committee's ban in that it applies to all earmarks for all members of the caucus. 

The moratorium was passed via a "strong" voice vote, according to Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas), who participated in the nearly two-hour-long conference meeting.

Senate Republicans appeared receptive to the House's proposal Thursday. 

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) offered a one-year moratorium on earmarks on the Senate floor as the House Republicans were taking their vote. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) specifically complimented the House's plan in a Twitter post.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey's (D-Wis.) proposal to cut all for-profit earmarks on his panel was met with staunch opposition from his Senate counterpart, Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) cheered the effort and has floated the idea of a full earmark ban. 

Freshman Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) on Thursday issued a statement calling for an end to all earmarks.