McConnell Reversal: Will Support a Moratorium on Earmarks

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who previously said doing away with earmarks would give the executive branch too much power, has announced he will support an earmark moratorium.

According to a statement issued by his office:

"Make no mistake. I know the good that has come from the projects I have helped support throughout my state. I don't apologize for them. But there is simply no doubt that the abuse of this practice has caused Americans to view it as a symbol of the waste and the out-of-control spending that every Republican in Washington is determined to fight. And unless people like me show the American people that we're willing to follow through on small or even symbolic things, we risk losing them on our broader efforts to cut spending and rein in government.

"That's why today I am announcing that I will join the Republican Leadership in the House in support of a moratorium on earmarks in the 112th Congress.

". . . The people have spoken. They have said as clearly as they can that this is what they want us to do.

"They will be watching."

You can read the full statement here.