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Obama signs big spending bill despite earmarks
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-12 09:48
BIGGER FIGHTS AHEAD Debate on the spending bill, at times full of bitter partisan rancor over provisions to roll back parts of the US embargo on Cuba, foreshadowed bigger fights over Obama's US$3.55 trillion 2010 budget and overhauling healthcare, which Congress will address in the coming weeks. Many Republicans fought against the bill because it raised government spending by 8 percent above fiscal 2008 levels. They said it added more money to programs already funded by the US$787 billion economic stimulus package approved last month. Republicans in Congress ramped up their criticisms of the budget on Wednesday, and warned they would offer their own alternatives.
Pence, who has sought to cut federal spending on domestic programs, said a key component of the Republican alternative would be more tax cuts for working families, small businesses and family farmers" to ignite economic growth. Obama said he believed future legislation could include reforms to make the budget process more transparent and trustworthy and rein in the use of earmarks. "I believe as we move forward, we can come together around principles that prevent the abuse of earmarks," he said. "These principles begin with a simple concept: earmarks must have a legitimate and worthy public purpose," Obama added. House Democratic leaders announced two new measures to change the way earmarks are used. A 20-day review by the executive branch would be required, and they supported competitive bidding for earmarks for for-profit companies.
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