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February 1,
2011
Inouye
Disagrees But Concedes 2-Year Ban
Senate
Appropriations Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-HI) has continually defended
the ability of Members of Congress to "earmark" funding for
projects in their districts as a constitutional right despite many of
his colleagues who have made it their mission in Washington to
eliminate the practice.
Mr. Inouye is
not alone - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) had the
following to say after the President's State of the Union Address in
which he threatened to veto any bill that contained earmarks:
"I think it's absolutely wrong and the public should understand
that the President has enough power; he should back off and let us do
what we do."
Despite some
Senate Democrats' willingness to defend earmarks against White House
and Republican criticism, Mr. Inouye said in a
statement issued
today that the "handwriting is clearly on the
wall." And in a parting swipe against those Members who
have requested earmarks in the past but are 'taking the high road' in
the 112th Congress, he had this to say:
"Next year, when the consequences of this decision
are fully understood by the members of this body, we will most
certainly revisit this issue and explore ways to improve the
earmarking process."
In the wake of their decision to abandon earmarking for
the next two years, Members of Congress will be urging their
constituents to explore the availability of federal grants for
competitive funding opportunities, which are evaluated and awarded by
the various federal agencies that comprise the Executive Branch.
Clark Hill PLC has experience assisting companies during
the federal grant application process, and will work with your
local leaders and congressional delegation to build the
necessary support for your application at the relevant federal
agency.
Please do not hesitate to contact any member of our
Government and Public Affairs Team regarding current or future
federal funding opportunities.
If you have
any questions concerning these issues, please contact Chris Wagner at
202.772.0924 or cwagner@clarkhill.com.
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