Congressman Zach Wamp was recognized for his efforts on earmark reform and selected to serve on the Select Committee on Earmark Reform for the 111th Congress.
Congressman Wamp is one of 10 House Republicans announced to the earmark reform panel, which is charged with filing a report by Feb. 16, with recommendations for changing Washington’s spending practices. To have a bipartisan dialogue on earmark reform, House Democratic leaders are urged to name 10 of their own members to the panel.
“Earmark reform needs to start with defining what is and what is not an earmark, and ensuring the reforms apply to all federal agencies and committees,” said Congressman Wamp. “We need sweeping reforms in a comprehensive way on how earmarks are decided and this Select Committee should help Congress get to the root of the problems in the current system and make meaningful recommendations for the future.”
In late 2007, Congressman Wamp joined fellow Congressmen Jack Kingston of Georgia and Frank Wolf of Virginia in introducing a resolution to establish a Select Committee on Earmark Reform that would make a full study of and comprehensive recommendations on earmarks. The idea for such a panel led to this select committee.
The select committee’s work will be supported by a website, located at http://earmarkreform.house.gov, allowing citizens to submit comments and suggestions for reforming the earmark process in Congress.
Republican Members of Congress appointed to the Select Committee on Earmark Reform also include: Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), chairperson; Judy Biggert (R-Ill.); Kevin Brady (R-Texas); Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.); Randy Forbes (R-Va.); Doc Hastings (R-Wash.); Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas); John Mica (R-Fla.); and Mike Simpson (R-Idaho).