September 26, 2007
Hackett Calls On Carney To Stop Hiding Earmarks
Dallas Chris Carney (PA-10) voted yesterday to block open debate on hidden earmarks in the Democrats SCHIP bill, even after Democrats certified that the bill was earmark-free.
Chris Hackett, a local businessman who announced last month that he is challenging Carney in Pennsylvania s 10th Congressional District said, "Promises are good, but they must be kept if they are to have any value. Mr. Carney promised to bring our values to Washington, but with this vote he made sure the earmarks remain hidden from the public. That is not consistent with our values." (House Roll Call 902)
Last year, the Democrats' top leader, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, promised to bring change to Washington:
"We will bring transparency and openness to the budget process and to the use of earmarks, and we will give the American people the leadership they deserve." (Press Release, 12/12/06)
Hackett said, "Chris Carney supported her for the leadership position and echoed her call for transparency and openness. With this vote they both turned their backs on that promise. Chris Carney is proving to be all talk and no action when it comes to changing the way Washington does business. The people of the 10th District deserve better."
Chris Hackett also renewed his challenge for Carney to support a discharge petition that would bring significant reform to the budgeting process. It calls for immediate debate on legislation that would prevent secret earmarks from being slipped into legislation without transparency and accountability.
"Mr. Carney should step up to the plate and do the right thing. Sign the discharge petition. It's the taxpayers' money and they deserve to know where it is being spent."
Hackett, a conservative Republican said he will oppose hidden earmarks and supports a return to the open process proposed by Boehner and other GOP leaders on June 12, 2007. The Republican proposal would require all earmarks in all types of bills -- tax, appropriations, or authorizing -- to be publicly disclosed and subject to challenge and open debate on the floor. Since June, Boehner has repeatedly asked Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to schedule the legislation for a vote on this proposal.