Sens. Johnson, Thune at odds over move to suspend budget earmarks

[OntarioVanMan]

IMO...there should be NO earmarks...just make good legislation and forget the side deals...

The Associated Press rapidcityjournal.com | Posted: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 11:15 am

PIERRE -- Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson says he opposes a move to suspend the use of budget earmarks because it could hurt funding for projects in South Dakota and other small states.

Johnson says the loss of earmarks could jeopardize funding for projects such as the underground science lab in the Black Hills and the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System that will provide water for people in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa.

But Republican Sen. John Thune says he supports a two-year moratorium on earmarks so the system can be reformed. Thune says South Dakota projects can be funded in the normal budget process.

Thune says the public wants the earmark system to be reformed as part of the effort to cut federal spending.

 

[greg334]

It's a symbolic move that is to show they can do something. Let's not forget this earmark crap was created out of the Democrat campaign ploy during the 90's. It is a good move nonetheless but not enough to actually save much money.

The best thing is a 10% cut across the board except for Defense spending and then another 10% next year. NO exceptions except defense!.