Wicker, Cochran vote against earmarks

WASHINGTON — Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) have thrown their support to a resolution in the Republican Conference to place a moratorium on earmarks in the 112^th Congress.

“I will vote for the proposed moratorium on earmarks,” Wicker said. “During my time in public service, I have made it a priority to listen to the needs and concerns of Mississippians. The people have been loud and clear about their desire to clean up the out-of-control spending in Washington, and I am listening. The message from home is strong and my job is to represent their voices. Banning earmarks now is an important first step demonstrating that we are serious about the debt and runaway spending.

“While I have concerns about turning over more power to the administration and federal bureaucrats, I think it is important that Congress take a timeout and review the earmark process. I am committed to cutting spending and getting our fiscal house in order, and that means changing the way business is done in Washington.”

Cochran said, “I remain unconvinced that fiscal prudence is effectively advanced by ceding to the Obama administration our constitutional authority to determine federal expenditures, but an earmark moratorium is the will of the Republican Conference.  If this is what it takes to get Congress focused on the real steps needed to get our fiscal house in order, then I will take the views of my Republican colleagues to heart.  Restraining overall spending and eliminating waste in government will require our undivided attention.”