Quigley Introduces Landmark Earmark Reform Bill
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) announced the introduction of landmark legislation to drastically reform the earmark system by prohibiting appropriation requests for for-profit entities.
"I believe the best form of government is an open and honest government, a government that serves its people and not a special interest," said Cong. Quigley. "As U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously stated, 'sunlight is the best disinfectant.' It's been cloudy for too long."
The bill - H.Res. 614 - very simply amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit earmarks to for-profit entities.
Prohibiting earmarks and clearing the way for transparent government will produce efficient and effective projects, create new sustainable jobs, and immediately expose those trading federal funds for political favors, according to the Congressman. Funding requests for public and not-for-profit entities would still be admissible. These vital projects include improving schools, public safety, hospitals, natural resources, mass transit, or other similar local projects.
This spring, immediately after taking office, Cong. Quigley not only published all of his (public and non-profit sector) appropriation requests on his Web site, but also publicized the earmarks locally.
"Not only do taxpayers deserve to know how their dollars are being spent, but they also deserve to have them spent judiciously and without political influence," added Quigley. "This bi-partisan initiative will make sure that we are funding the fundamentals, not playing politics with pork."
As a Cook County Commissioner, Quigley led the fight to increase transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility across the county. In 2007, he passed ethics reforms requiring both the Assessor and Board of Review to post all appeal decisions online, including owner name, attorney name, property address, and reasoning for the decision. He also wrote several memos detailing plans for the "reinventing" of Cook County government in order to make it more efficient and responsive to its citizens.
Cong. Quigley introduced H. Res. 614 with the support of original cosponsors Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL).
A list of Congressman Quigley's requested appropriations for FY2010 can be found here.