But if they vote AGAINST the appropriations, then the earmarks are moot.
You’re not saving any money by NOT earmarking; you’d only save money by voting against spending (the appropriations bills).
When you earmark AND vote against spending, you’re saying no to spending any money, but if it passes, then you want the money to come back to the people, not be pissed away by the Administration, which will get all the money not earmarked....then Obama gets to give it to all his buddies and their projects...with no accountability. Does Solyndra ring any bells?
However, many times the earmarks are included in the legislation and that is how congress gets it passed. Earmarks are hurting taxpayers. If you get the time...check out the Citizens Against Government Waste site...fantastic