Tough economic times call for tough scrutiny of federal spending says Senator Russ Feingold. He is proposing a new effort to block the use of pork-laden federal spending bills "to reign in wasteful spending."
The measure is intended to go after the practice of slipping pet projects into spending bills without debate or review. The earmarks could still be funded, if the sponsor gets at least 60 Senators for a super majority to support the project.
Any recipients of federal funds also would be forced to disclose the money they spend on registered lobbyists says the Wisconsin Democrat.
Feingold says he would try to attach the legislation to the economic recovery package Congress plans to consider.
He's joined with three colleagues including Republican Senator John McCain whose previous joint effort brought forth campaign finance reform.
Contributed by Jason Fischer-WIBA