Roll Call reports that the White House is considering a bold move to cancel billions in wasteful pork-barrel spending in order to boost the economy:
Canceling about $20 billion in pork-barrel spending might help restore the party’s ‘brand’ on fiscal responsibility. That can only be a good thing. But the reason to disregard the suggestions of Congressional committees is that those suggestions are wasteful. If the White House can redirect those funds to spur economic growth and job creation, so much the better. If not, it’s still better either to rescind the money and commit it to deficit reduction, or to spend it on more important priorities through the agency process. However, the value of the idea outlined here is that it will put Congress on the spot about their spending priorities. If the White House proposes to save billions, and channel that money instead toward tax breaks for investment, or individual rebates, or some other meritorious effort, Congress will be forced to address the question. They can either defend their earmarks in the light of day, or give them up and spend the money on other initiatives. The taxpayers are better served with an honest debate. There’s more on the status of the debate over economic stimulus today at the Wall Street Journal, and Senator Jim DeMint also penned a recent op-ed on Congress’ addiction to earmarks; be sure to check it out. Lastly, for some of the horror stories about how Congress has elected to spend your money, check out omnibusting.org.
