Democrats fight earmark spending

A recent letter in the Daily Herald criticized Democrats in Congress for too much earmark spending.

In reality, since they took control of Congress in 2007, Democrats have taken steps to reform the earmark process and make it more transparent to the public.

In fact, when Republicans took control of Congress in 1995, earmark spending exploded.

Over the last decade of Republican control, the number of earmarks increased five fold, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense. The years of complete Republican control in Washington (2001-2006) saw the federal deficit explode also.

When Democrats gained control of Congress in early 2007, things began to change.

Reversing policies of the past, the new Democratic Congress introduced rules requiring lawmakers to disclose their earmarks to the public.

Democrats also instituted new rules to restrict a popular feature of the previous decade -- earmarks added at the last minute before a final vote on a bill.

These new reforms have had an effect already.

Over the past year, Congress has cut earmarks by 23 percent from the record 2005 levels. So it seems like the new Democratic Congress is actually taking some important first steps toward fiscal responsibility.

Democratic Congressional candidate Dan Seals has pledged to cut wasteful spending and reducing earmarks is a top priority.

Dan will have our votes in November.

Mark and Christine Kraemer

Wilmette