Senator Specter defends earmarks

A departing U.S. Senator has some interesting words for his colleagues in Washington.  

 

Senator Arlen Specter says the incoming class of Republicans have some ideas about how to control spending, such as banning earmarks.  The former Republican says he’s not sure they truly understand where the money is going

 

“We are facing a real crisis in terms of what is going on in Washington with the Republicans threatening to cut back and it’s going to hit cities like Philadelphia the hardest where there’s a need for funding the people who are very much in need with federal state and local assistance,” Specter said.

 

Senator Specter says eliminating the ability of the congressional delegation to bring home earmarks is not a good idea.

 

“The earmarks are very well directed by members of congress.  Arlen Specter knows a lot more about what is needed in Pennsylvania and his hometown of Philadelphia than the bureaucrats in Washington.”

 

Republican Pat Toomey will take what is now Specter’s seat in the Senate.  Toomey is happy about the earmark ban.