(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris today voted in favor of an important earmark reform resolution (H.Res. 1000). This resolution creates a new House rule that will provide more transparency and accountability within the earmark process. The resolution passed 245-171.

“This rule will help ensure that taxpayer money is being spent wisely,” said McMorris. “This rule change will shine a spotlight on earmarks and ensure that money is only being spent on legitimate projects. If a member isn’t willing to publicly take ownership of a project for which they have requested funds, then we shouldn’t be spending taxpayer dollars on it. This will also prevent earmarks from being hidden or snuck into bills at the last minute.”

Under the new rule adopted by the House of Representatives, in order for the House to consider a bill, the Committee of jurisdiction must list all earmarks included in the bill and committee report, along with the names of Representatives requesting the earmark. This applies to authorizing earmarks, appropriations earmarks, and tax earmarks.

In continued efforts to promote fiscal responsibility, the House of Representatives yesterday also passed the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. This bill creates a searchable database that tracks federal grants and contracts received by companies and organizations.