| Earmarks |
November 29, 2010 |
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James Inhofe, R-OK
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"The power over the purse may, in fact, be regarded as the most complete and effectual weapon with which any Constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people for obtaining redress of every grievance."
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| Appropriations Bills |
November 19, 2009 |
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Thad Cochran, R-MS
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"Given our Nation’s fiscal situation, however, it seems to me we should strongly favor a procedure that requires Congress to consider programmatic spending every year. This is the very principle stated in paragraph 13 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate. This is not a question of which committee has the power over the purse. It is a question of whether Congress will maintain the power over the purse and deliberately exercise it."
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| Senate |
March 13, 2008 |
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Robert Byrd, D-WV
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"Adding transparency and accountability to the earmarking process is responsible. Reducing the level of earmarks below the levels approved by President Bush for fiscal year 2005, is responsible. We have already taken these steps. But pretending that we can save money by eliminating earmarks is pure folly. It is poppycock. It is also bad policy. The Constitution gives the power over the purse to Congress. That is the most effective way to check an irresponsible President of either party. Congress must not cede decisions about how the taxpayers’ money should be spent."
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| Constitutional Checks And Balances |
October 24, 2007 |
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John Yarmuth, D-KY
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"I would like to recognize my colleague from New Hampshire with a question. And that is, we are about to engage in a fairly contentious series of votes concerning appropriations measures. According to article I, section 8, one of the most important powers that this Congress has is the power of the purse. As a matter of fact, in another Federalist Paper, number 58, James Madison said that, “This power over the purse may, in fact, be regarded as the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people, for obtaining a redress from every grievance, and from carrying into effect every just and salutary measure.”"
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