Majority of Americans Support Congressional Earmark Ban, Poll Shows

The Daily Signal ^ | 6/9/2016 | Andrew Egger

[milton23]

A majority of Americans continue to support the congressional ban on earmarks instituted by former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, a new Economist Group/YouGov poll shows.

The ban was supported by 63 percent of those polled, while 12 percent disapproved of the ban and 26 percent were not sure whether they approved or disapproved of it.

On principle, only 17 percent of respondents approved of the practice of earmarks and 59 percent said it is unacceptable.

[humblegunner]

Interesting article history you have there.

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:milton23/index?tab=articles

[SoFloFreeper]

Define the term. Congress is the constitutional authority for how my tax dollars are spent.

Should we just skip the budget process and tell the executive branch “Spend the money any way you want”?

I say no.

[PGalt]

The Gang of 535 should be in federal prison.

http://www.usdebtclock.org

CONgre$$

[PapaBear3625]

Define the term. Congress is the constitutional authority for how my tax dollars are spent.

Earmark definition: An earmark is a legislative (especially congressional) provision that directs approved funds to be spent on specific projects, or that directs specific exemptions from taxes or mandated fees.

Congressional spending should be for projects that benefit the US as a whole. Federal money should not be allocated by congressmen to the benefit of specific localities, or non-competitively-bid contracts to specific companies.

Open Secrets, list of earmarks, sorted by congressman. Click on the politician name to get his list of earmarks and who benefited.

[SoFloFreeper]

Fine. If the Congress DIRECTS how the money should be spent, I have no problem.... this seems to be part of its delegated authority. The “general welfare” clause may apply.

What I totally disagree with, though, is giving bureaucrats a blank check to use the money however THEY see fit. At least Congresscritters can be voted out if they spend money foolishly. When bureaucrats have control, it is faceless.