Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick says he's not going to seek any earmarks for Idaho in the federal budget for the coming year; click below to read his letter saying why not.

From: Congressman Walt Minnick
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 11:19 AM
Subject: From the Office of Congressman Walt Minnick

April 1, 2009

Thank you for taking the time to submit an appropriations request for
fiscal year 2010.  While my staff and I have thoroughly considered the
merits of your project request and every project request, I have decided
that I will not seek earmarks this year.  Rather, I will assist my
constituent groups in seeking funds from the billions of dollars
available through competitive federal grants.

In this tough economic time, we all need to cut back and it's time for Washington to practice what we preach. I strongly support many of the projects submitted to my office, so I understand why this decision will not be popular with some and that it may meet criticism. But I firmly believe this decision is right for Idaho.

Some of my critics will argue, "If the money is sitting there, why not
grab a share?  Everyone else is doing it."  This is flawed logic, and
will lead to future increases to satisfy the growing appetites of
Washington politicians. Moreover, Idahoans sent me to Washington to be a
leader on accountability in government, and I think this is an important
step. I hope it will shine light on a flawed system, and lead others to
follow suit to reform the system, or choose not to be a part of it.

I spoke out against the flawed earmarking process during my campaign for
Congress.  I pledged to do everything in my power to increase
transparency and improve this broken system.  In fact, my fourth vote on
my first day as a member of Congress was against my own party's rules
package (H.Res.5, Adopting Rules for the 111th Congress), which did not
do enough to reform pork-barrel spending. Many members, including my
three colleagues in our delegation, work ethically within the system and
do what they believe is best for our state even if they may not entirely
approve of the process.  I applaud their character and service.

However, I have decided to do what I believe is best for Idaho and our
country. The accumulation of these pork-barrel bills will grow our
nation's deficit to nearly two trillion dollars in mostly borrowed money
from China and Middle Eastern oil states that do not have our best
interests at heart.  I am committed to shrinking our federal deficit to
protect the long-term financial security of our nation.   This is one
step I am willing to take to protect our kids and grandkids from the
mounds of debt we are placing on their shoulders.

I hope you appreciate the careful thought that went into this difficult
decision. I also hope you look forward to working with my staff on
applying for funding available from already-approved, competitive
federal grant programs.

Sincerely,
 
Walt Minnick
Congressman
ID, 1st CD

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