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New rules force more disclosure of earmarks
By The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) – The House and Senate in 2007 implemented reforms aimed at adding transparency to the process of earmarking projects, grants and contracts in legislation.
The House:
■ Requires any bill containing earmarks be accompanied by a list identifying each one and the member or members who requested it.
■ Requires a letter from the representative who requested an earmark to provide a letter identifying the earmark and the entity to receive the funds, along with a certification that neither the requesting member nor their spouse would benefit financially.
■ Prohibits earmarks from being used to influence other members.
The Senate:
■ Requires disclosure of earmarks and their sponsors, but it does not require public disclosure of the entities receiving them.
■ Prohibits senators from advocating for an earmark in which they might have a financial interest.
Republican proposals not adopted:
■ In Senate, requiring that earmarks be placed in bill language instead of accompanying reports, guaranteeing opponents a chance to vote them down.
■ In House, imposing a moratorium on earmarks until a bipartisan committee proposes new reforms.
© 2008 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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