Congressman Flake Disappointed By House Rejection of Earmark Resolution
Congress Needs Earmark Standards Beyond Reproach
Washington, D.C.,
Feb 25, 2009 -
Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today expressed disappointment that the House of Representatives tabled a privileged resolution he offered directing the House Ethics Committee to investigate the relationship between earmarks and campaign contributions.
“Whether or not Congress wants to admit it, our own ethics guidelines on earmarks and campaign contributions are weak,” said Flake. “When Members of Congress can give no-bid contracts to campaign donors, we've got a problem.”
By tabling the resolution, the House prevented any debate on it and effectively killed it. All but two Republicans opposed the vote to table the resolution, and 17 Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the resolution’s tabling.
