03.14.08

SENATOR MURKOWSKI OPPOSES PROPOSED MORATORIUM ON EARMARKS

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Senator Lisa Murkowski last night voted against legislation that would ban all earmarks in the Senate for one year. The legislation failed to pass the Senate by a vote of 29-71.

“One of my duties as Senator is to ensure that Alaska’s needs are met,” said Senator Murkowski. “I was born and raised in Alaska. I listen to my constituent’s concerns and needs, and I understand Alaska’s unique needs. I know better than bureaucrats who’ve never even been to Alaska how money should be appropriated for Alaska.”

Due to Alaska’s size, inclement weather and remoteness we have issues unlike any other state in the nation. Because Alaska is still so young, it lacks some of the infrastructure other states take for granted. Not all of Alaska is accessible via a road system and not all communities have access to clean, running water. No other state faces such a lack of basic amenities, making specific appropriated funds vital to the welfare of Alaskans.

Constitutionally, Congress has the power to determine how funds are spent. Elected officials know better what their constituents need than unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.– this is especially true for Alaska.

To make the budgeting process more transparent, Senator Murkowski has made all her appropriations requests public.


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