Cunningham Opposes Reinstating Earmarks

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Joe Cunningham released the following statement in opposition to the proposal to reinstate earmarks, which further encourages reckless spending. Earmarks – more commonly known as “pork projects” – are directed spending items inserted into the budget by members of Congress that target a specific entity in a specific congressional district.  

“I’ve expressed to leadership my opposition to reinstating earmarks and sincerely hope the House does not go down this road. When done properly, congressionally-directed projects can help guide federal funding to worthy projects back at home. But we’ve seen that more often than not, this policy encourages reckless spending and is easily abused by special interests,” said Rep. Joe Cunningham. “At a time when our national debt just hit $22 trillion, it is incredibly irresponsible for Congress to reinstate pork-barrel spending. I was sent to Congress to reform the status quo and rein in our out-of-control spending. Reinstating earmarks will only make it harder to get our fiscal house in order.”