By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Many GOP congress members protested loudly when President Barack Obama signed the massive omnibus bill last week. They said it was loaded with earmarks. But Republican Congressman Chris Lee said he plans to pursue some earmarks of his own for the 26th district.
Opponents of the omnibus bill say it was stuffed with pork - nearly 9,000 earmarks. According to some, that's about 25 earmarks for each lawmakers intent on bringing home the bacon to their districts. Newly minted Congressman Chris Lee was one of those who complained loudly.
Lee recently launched a new web site to help hold Washington accountable for runaway spending. But that doesn't mean he won't be going after some federal money himself. Lee said not all earmarks are necessarily pork.
When asked about possible earmarks for his district, Lee said a sewer line, for example, might qualify.
The congressman said no matter which projects he chooses to earmark for federal funding, taxpayers will be able to judge for themselves. Lee said his web site will have the guidelines he uses and full disclosure of individually projects.
You can find the congressman's guidelines at his "Washington Waste Watch" link at chrislee.house.gov .
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