President Barack Obama on Wednesday morning called on Congress to pass reforms that would restrict earmarks and increase transparency of the process.
Obama does not intend to eliminate earmarks, and he did not make campaign promises to fight the practice. Indeed, Obama himself was the recipient of a number of earmarks during his time as Illinois senator. However, Sen. John McCain, his Republican opponent during the election, made a big deal of earmarks, which he opposes.
“Done right, earmarks give legislators the opportunity to direct federal money to worthy projects that benefit people in their district, and that's why I have opposed their outright elimination,” Obama said.
The current spending bill is loaded with earmarks, which Obama has indicated were excessive.
“I am signing an imperfect omnibus bill because it is necessary for the ongoing functions of government,” Obama said. “But I also view this as a departure point for more far-reaching change.”
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