When was the last time the U.S. House was the scene of a race to save money?
Last Wednesday Democratic leaders decreed they will ban earmarks - special, under-the-radar spending requests - that benefit private businesses. The Democrats will still allow earmarks that go to not-for-profit enterprises.
On Thursday, House Republicans went one better: They announced they won't seek earmarks for anybody. A unilateral disarmament. The Senate has refused to bite.
The spending requests that members of Congress tuck into various appropriations bills have come to symbolize all that is wrong with Washington. They are often concocted in secret and benefit individuals, companies or causes that contribute money.
So, it's good to see a wee bit of reform on earmarks. Republicans did a nifty job of trumping Democrats. The Democrats should match the Republican decision to swear off all earmarks. The attempt to protect some earmarks will only cause them trouble - lobbyists will find ways to manipulate that.
Just stop doing earmarks. You'll survive.
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