WP: McCain Calls to Reform Pork Barrel Politics

[DeepModem Mom]

McCain Calls to Reform Pork Barrel Politics
Senator Denounces Earmarking
By William Branigin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 25, 2006


A Senate committee reviewing proposals to reform lobbying today heard calls for Congress to reform its pork barrel politics by ending the practice of quietly adding pet projects known as "earmarks" to appropriations bills.

Appearing as a witness on the opening day of a Senate hearing on lobbying reform, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was one of several senators to denounce earmarking, a practice he called "disgraceful." He outlined one of several proposals to tighten rules and require greater disclosure of lobbying activities. But he told the committee, "We're not going to fix this system until we fix the earmarks."

McCain made the comments before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, which convened to discuss lobbying reform proposals amid a scandal surrounding the activities of Jack Abramoff, a once-powerful Republican lobbyist. Abramoff pleaded guilty earlier this month to federal charges including bribery of a congressman. His cooperation with investigators as part of a plea deal has stoked concerns on Capitol Hill that other legislators could be implicated, and Congress has responded with a flurry of legislative proposals to reform the system.

However, representatives of lobbying organizations urged the committee today not to overreact to what they described as the unscrupulous activities of one corrupt lobbyist.

And Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), the Senate minority whip, said the problem goes beyond earmarks and that solving it must start with reducing the "outrageous expense" of political campaigns....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/25/AR2006012501285.html

[onehandle]

1. One-Issue Right-Wing Thug News.

Hey, McCain. How does Bush's ass taste?

[fooj]

2. McCain is a coward. Enough said.

Peace.