House Republicans are finally showing signs of a genuine conservative revival. After months of observing their constituents protest reckless government spending, the GOP members of the House banned all earmarks, a welcome, if overdue, move. Kevin Williamson writes:
Through a change to House rules, Democrats in that chamber of Congress have banned earmarks that deliver funds and contracts to private, for-profit enterprises. Senate Democrats probably will ignore their colleagues’ new policy, but House Republicans have just one-upped it, voting amongst themselves to forgo all earmarks, whether to businesses, local and state governments, or nonprofit institutions. They will do so unilaterally, giving up their earmarks while challenging Democrats to do the same.
This is one sign that the GOP is getting serious about rededicating itself to the cause of fiscal restraint, and the politics are pretty good: Either the Democrats will be shamed into going along, or the Republicans will have a vital edge on a very popular issue.
The Democrats’ earlier ban meant little; only 10% of all earmarks go toward private companies. The vast majority is set aside for non-profit organizations and state and local governments. Williamson explains this also gives fiscal conservatives the moral high ground in the battle against reckless government spending:
Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona has been a reliable crusader against earmarks, and he’s pleased that the moratorium will give Republicans a chance to rebuild their reputation for fiscal discipline. “I’ve wanted for years just to challenge Democratic earmarks,” he says, “but I couldn’t in good conscience do that when we had 60 percent of the earmarks, and then 40 percent [after the GOP lost its majority].” And he likes the timing, too: “The Democrats are going to be under tremendous pressure to follow suit and ban all earmarks. Right now, the Democrats are in a particular pickle because of health care, where they need every vote. It’s going to be very difficult for them to make a change this unpopular with their caucus and keep the votes they need for health care.”
Hopefully, this represents a leaner, meaner Republican Party. Not only is it good politics, it’s good policy. Here’s hoping the Republicans have finally found their way out of the wilderness and are willing to reclaim their former mantle as the grown-up party. We all know it’s not going to be the Democrats. And the country needs at least one.
