The Alchemist

Earmarks continue to enjoy vocal and vigorous support from members of Congress, despite whatever negative press seems to surround them.  

Witness recent comments by Republican Congressman Don Young of Alaska, quoted in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner:

 “Cutting earmarks is a failure to recognize the needs of small states and rural communities, such as the many I represent in Alaska. I agree that the earmark process is by no means perfect; it needs fixing. But until we fix the process, it is irresponsible to my constituents to abandon their needs.”

Young goes on to argue that by their opposition to earmarks a few of his fellow Republicans are unintentionally undermining Congress’s representative role in the federal government. “The GOP leadership does not seem to realize that they are creating a centralized executive government instead of a legislative government,” Young said.

So long as most members of Congress see earmarks as a central part of their constitutional role they will continue to endure.