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