Pallone Supports Landmark Legislation That Will Bring Real Reform to Washington

Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement today after supporting legislation this afternoon that will reinstate pay-as-you-go budgeting rules and require transparency in the earmark process. Yesterday, the New Jersey congressman supported legislation that bans trips and gifts from lobbyists.

"This week, under new Democratic leadership, the House began the process of restoring faith in Congress by overwhelmingly reforming its own rules.

"During the 2006 political campaign, House Democrats pledged that if the American people gave us the opportunity to run the House, we would change the rules and prevent the kinds of lobbying scandals that have become commonplace during much of the past six years. Yesterday, we delivered on that promise by severing the harmful ties between lawmakers and lobbyists.

"Today, we continue reforming Washington by reinstating pay-as-you-go rules that were instrumental in creating the budget surpluses of the late 1990's. In 2002, President Bush and the Republican Congress said they would no longer abide by these rules, and our nation's fiscal situation has suffered tremendously ever since. Republican fiscal policies have turned a $5.6 trillion surplus into a $3 trillion deficit.

"Clearly a change of course is needed. I am hopeful that the pay-as-you-go rules that we approved today will serve as a much-needed course correction to a budget deficit that is spiraling out of control.

"The House also voted overwhelmingly to reform the earmark process. I believe that it is our responsibility as legislators to work to secure federal funds through the appropriations process in order to meet critical needs in our districts. However, over the last decade the number of earmarks has increased from 3,000 in 1996 to 13,000 in 2006, and some members have used the earmark process to provide favors to friends and special interests. The reforms passed today by the House bring much needed transparency and accountability to the earmark process."