U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick is taking a break from earmarks.
The Charlotte Republican told Dome that she was not requesting any Congressionally directed spending this year because of concerns about the federal deficit.
Myrick has requested earmarks in the past, including 13 last year worth a total of $20.9 million that were granted. And she said she may again in the future — just not this year.
"I just could not in good conscience say we've got to get control of our spending and our deficit and then turn around and ask for money," she said. "We're in a budget situation where we need to watch every penny.
She agreed with Republican Rep. Howard Coble, who said that some of the anti-earmark sentiment is misplaced.
"There's a difference in my mind between earmarks and pork," she said. "To me, pork is something that does not go through a committee. It gets stuck into a bill at the last minute by a committee chairman or in a conference committee and nobody even knows it's there."
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Re: Myrick: No earmarks this year
It's typical "show horse" Republicanism. They only adhere to their proclaimed values when suffering in the minority. That's why they deserve to be starved of power.
From 1994 to 2006, when Republicans controlled everything earmarks tripled.
Lavish on constituents while in power, starve them while in the minority. It's the Oink and Obstruct way.
Literally, the only way to get Republicans to not spend money is to not vote for them.
The course correction has just begun.