White House Pressures OMB To Withhold Earmark Data From The Public
White House Pressures OMB To Withhold Earmark Data From The Public
In his 2007 State of the Union address, President Bush promised to reform the congressional earmarking process:
The time has come to end this practice [of congressional earmarking]. So let us work together to reform the budget process … expose every earmark to the light of day and to a vote in Congress.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced plans last week to “step up the administration’s effort to cut earmarks by posting on its website next week all earmarks identified by federal agencies in fiscal year 2005 appropriations bills.”
But according to Mark Tapscott at the D.C. Examiner, the White House is reneging on this pledge and is pressuring the OMB to release only a partial list of congressional earmarks:
[Last week I heard from Hill sources] that the White House congressional liason staff was pressuring OMB Director Rob Portman to not release all of the earmarks requested by Members of Congress to executive agencies under the FY2005 budget. …
Now this morning, word is circulating on the Hill that the Bush administration is going to release only a limited database of earmarks later today or maybe no database at all, but just aggregate or summary data.
Seems the White House legislative staff fears releasing the database would offend members of the appropriation committees in Congress. So, the public gets the shaft, again, on a topic on which there is no doubt where the American people stand.
In 2005, Congress inserted 15,877 pork projects into spending bills. In 2006, Congress allocated a record $71.77 billion “to 15,832 special projects, more than double the $29.11 billion spent on 4,155 pork-barrel projects in 1994.”
The White House’s decision to protect pork comes during Sunshine Week, which highlights the public’s right to know what the government is doing. Not only is the Bush administration not following through on its promise to reform earmarking, but a new study has “found that 26 federal agencies were processing fewer FOIA requests, making petitioners wait much longer for responses and releasing less information than they were nine years ago.”
UPDATE: OMB spokesman Sean Kevelighan told ThinkProgress that OMB will be launching its earmarks website today with “aggregate data on the number and cost of earmarks down to the agency and account level.” He promised that OMB will be providing “even greater detail” in the future.
UPDATE II: Sunlight Foundation spoke with Rob Lehman, the OMB chief of staff, who said that contrary to the Tapscott report, “there is no ‘caving’ on their announced intention to publish a comprehensive list of earmarks online.”
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78 Responses to “White House Pressures OMB To Withhold Earmark Data From The Public”
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Because they don’t want Americans to get information about projects like the bridge to nowhere.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:37 pmImpeach
March 12th, 2007 at 2:40 pmPolitics is all talk, very little action. And people still trust their politicians.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:41 pmI can’t wait to hear the troll spin on why they are doing this. I’m guessing it is either Clinton’s fault or the OMB hates our troops.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:41 pmWe are going broke,folks.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:42 pmWe are going broke,folks.
Comment by ∞Ω
Financially and morally.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:44 pmSure is dark in here for Sunshine Week.
Welcome to the Vampire Administration.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:50 pmWe don’t like any sunshine.
We only release bad news Fri. afternoons.
We go on record to look good, but change our minds at will.
We really are blood sucking leeches.
Money trumps morals.
We’ve never met a corrupt corporation.
God is great, and we believe in the one & only Profit.
Cronyism beats credentials.
Do as we say, not as we Do.
Blackmail, not votes, win elections.
We’re only in it for the money.
Soldiers make good propaganda.
Soldiers are too expensive to care for.
We lie while you die.
Bush makes a promise, later exposed as the lie those of us who aren’t sheep already know that it is…where have we seen this before?
March 12th, 2007 at 2:53 pmFinancially and morally.
Comment by Zooey
Emotionally and spiritually too.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:53 pm“Where the Sun Don’t Shine Week” might be more apropo…
March 12th, 2007 at 2:56 pmGuvnerment:
Er…yeah sure, we are gonna set up sumthin’ that will allow you to sees all the pork.
Well….we not gonna let you see it all. Just some that we pick and choose. You know, so its more fairer. Come to thinks of it we might just show some totals. You know how we don’t do accountability here at Bushland. Actually we gonna rename this week the “Sunshine and Lollipops Week”.
March 12th, 2007 at 2:59 pmJudging from experience watching this administration. I’ll venture that the “partial” list will focus primarily on Democratic earmarks and maybe a couple from Cunningham or Delay just to cover their acts.
March 12th, 2007 at 3:00 pmRove STINK
March 12th, 2007 at 3:04 pmROVE Stink
RoVe StInKs
No surprise. One step forward in public - take those pictures with first responders - two steps back in private - yank their funding. Mr. Bush calls that being a straight shooter.
March 12th, 2007 at 3:05 pmOhhh, da widdle wegiswators feewings get hurt?
March 12th, 2007 at 3:06 pmBS.
Total, unadulterated, extra strength, new and improved Horse Shite.
I wonder which (one’s by only Dem’s) earmarks (one’s by only dem’s) will be on the list?
March 12th, 2007 at 3:19 pmSo we now spend over $70 Billion a year on pork, yet we only need $100 Million to pay for all the American without health insurance. Maybe congress could have a new pork project called “health care for those without Insurance”.
Why are we still whining about a need for Universal Health care when congress can, THIS YEAR, alocate more then enough money to pay for any American without insurance effectivly making sure all Americans have coverage?
March 12th, 2007 at 3:23 pmDid President Moron find out that Repukes initiated more pork than Dems and changed his mind about releasing data. Hence the controlled partial release.
March 12th, 2007 at 3:33 pmHe probably took Fox News’ word that only liberals would participate in this kind of spending.
yet we only need $100 Million to pay for all the American without health insurance
Comment by Roger_Roger
I’ve seen you use this number before. Where did you get this from?
March 12th, 2007 at 3:36 pmShowing you pork barrel spending projects…
…would be a breach of national security…
-Bushiva, L’il Dick and the Younger-James Gang-
March 12th, 2007 at 3:45 pmComment by dlet
Same place the monkeys fly out of.
March 12th, 2007 at 3:45 pmClose Zimzone. But, the real quote is:
“Sometimes money trumps peace.”
March 12th, 2007 at 3:48 pm-George Bush
I wonder if by “a partial list of earmarks” they mean to release just a list of earmarks requested by Democrats? That seems like it would be about their speed.
March 12th, 2007 at 3:51 pmSpudge,
I was stating, not quoting, but thanks for clarifying.
‘A Bush in Hand is worth two in the White House’
March 12th, 2007 at 3:58 pm-Zimzone
Roger squared tries to drive every thread into the ditch. Hand over the keys roger.
That’s our Presidents words and he’s now lying. Roger, you stand with a liar.
March 12th, 2007 at 4:03 pmZimzone,
I wasn’t correcting, just adding to your statement. : )
March 12th, 2007 at 4:08 pmSCUMBAG REPULICANS AT WORK AGAIN!!!
March 12th, 2007 at 4:19 pmAnd the OMB should just say, thank you but no thanks to the suggestion by the White House.
March 12th, 2007 at 4:50 pmRead the report, A-Holes. The pork spenders are all democrats except for 2 Republicans.
Why don’t you pull your heads out of your “partisan politics” and TRULY think independently instead of all the liberal partyline bs that spooges from your mouths? You ARE sheep and you proudly parade it around, blissfully ignorant of the fact.
March 12th, 2007 at 4:52 pmThe US is to help Libya build its first-ever nuclear power plant according to the African nation’s official news agency, Jana.
Jana said on Monday that the General People’s Committee, the Libyan parliamentary body, had given approval for the foreign ministry to sign a deal with the US the day before.
There was no immediate confirmation of the deal from the US, but any such agreement would continue a considerable thawing of relations between the two countries.
March 12th, 2007 at 4:56 pmThe worst part is that you idiots think I’m a Republican because I’m pointing out your ignorance. Well I’m not. Don’t any of you see the real problem with our government? All you see is Liberal = Good, Conservative = Evil. The problem is the PARTY SYSTEM. I wish I could change it but I can’t.
George Washington knew what he was talking about.
March 12th, 2007 at 5:02 pmhttp://mysite.verizon.net/aahpat/pol/gw.htm
March 12th, 2007 at 5:03 pmThe US is to help Libya build its first-ever nuclear power plant according to the African nation’s official news agency, Jana.
Comment by Tobey Tall
In ten years you can expect the US to accuse Libya of using the facility as a weapons producing site and start a war with them. Goooo….neo-cons!!! Always planning for the future enemy.
March 12th, 2007 at 5:03 pmMarch 12th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Please bare with me, I haven’t tried posting links here before, so I ‘m having some technical difficulties.
March 12th, 2007 at 5:05 pmI hope it worked this time.
Ninja #9:
got your circumstances in a twist?
I’ll bear with your nonsense,
March 12th, 2007 at 5:10 pmto bare with you would be nonsense…
Anyone seen this yet;
The Great Global Warming Swindle
March 12th, 2007 at 5:11 pmhttp://video.google.com/ videoplay?docid=9005566792811497638
Raven, I see I’ll have to speak differently for you to understand me. Let me translate:
Baaaaaa. Baaaa-eh-aaaa. Baaaaaaa-eh-aaaa.
March 12th, 2007 at 5:31 pmAhh yes, assist the oil producing countries with Nuclear Power, then come back and accuse them of making nuclear weapons, then invade and take their oil, brilliant.
March 12th, 2007 at 5:36 pmComment by ForTruth
Wonderful!
March 12th, 2007 at 5:45 pm“We’re going to post those earmarks alphabetically, starting with the D’s. We’ll get around to the R’s just as soon as we get back from our break.”
March 12th, 2007 at 6:02 pmOh my sweet Jesus! Do you mean to say that Bush has lied to us? I can’t beieve it!
March 12th, 2007 at 6:08 pmRob Portman is pursing his lips, to show us how he likes to practice fellacio on the Chimpy-In-Chief. George looks vacantly on, wishing the guy would just get to it.
March 12th, 2007 at 6:14 pm[…] White House Pressures OMB To Withhold Earmark Data From The Public […]
March 12th, 2007 at 7:49 pm[…] ThinkProgress has an update: "OMB spokesman Sean Kevelighan told ThinkProgress that OMB will be launching its earmarks website today with “aggregate data on the number and cost of earmarks down to the agency and account level.” He promised that OMB will be providing “even greater detail” in the future" […]
March 12th, 2007 at 8:29 pmRead the report, A-Holes. The pork spenders are all democrats except for 2 Republicans.
You incredibly deluded tool. Such a pity.
March 12th, 2007 at 9:48 pmClose tag
March 12th, 2007 at 9:52 pmPlease bare(SIC) with me, I haven’t tried posting links here before, so I ‘m having some technical difficulties
Comment by Ninja97
No, I don’t wish to get undressed with you.
March 13th, 2007 at 2:48 amI would like to confirm ur impression as being the !
March 13th, 2007 at 8:44 amI would like to confirm ur details!
March 13th, 2007 at 9:07 amI would like to confirm ur details!!!!!!!!!
March 13th, 2007 at 9:12 amnice !
March 13th, 2007 at 9:14 amhey dear
March 13th, 2007 at 9:15 amwhat the hell is this
March 13th, 2007 at 9:22 amwhat the hell is this>>>
March 13th, 2007 at 9:23 amwhat the hell is this!!!!!!
March 13th, 2007 at 9:27 amNothing to say!!
March 13th, 2007 at 9:28 amNothing to say
March 13th, 2007 at 9:29 amNothing to saysdasdas
March 13th, 2007 at 9:31 amCHIMPya IS LIKE HIS SIGNING STATEMENTS, WHEN HE SAYS ONE THING AND THEN GOES AHEAD AND DOES ANOTHER–THIS IS ALSO CALLED HYPOCRITICAL CRIMINAL MALFEASANCE AND IS PUNISHABLE BY IMMEDIATE DECAPITATION BY MADAME LA GUILLOTINE–AFTER ALL, DIDN’T CHIMPya ALWAYS WANT TO GET “A-HEAD” IN LIFE? HEE HEE!!!!
March 13th, 2007 at 8:56 pmThey are aggressively ramping up their Development Center in Gurgaon
March 14th, 2007 at 12:18 amThey are aggressively ramping up their Development Center in Gurgaon and delhi
March 14th, 2007 at 12:25 amThey are aggressively ramping up their Development Center in Gurgaon and delhi aaa
March 14th, 2007 at 12:27 amThey are aggressively ramping up their Development Center in Gurgaon and delhi aaawsw
March 14th, 2007 at 12:28 amThey are aggressively ramping up their Development Center in noida
March 14th, 2007 at 12:28 amThey are aggressively ramping up their Development Center in noida and chennai
March 14th, 2007 at 12:31 amThey are aggressively ramping up their Development Center in noida and
March 14th, 2007 at 12:33 amThey are aggressively ramping up their Development Center in noida and mumbai
March 14th, 2007 at 12:37 amwait for a little bit
March 14th, 2007 at 12:42 amWell….we not gonna let you see it all. Just some that we pick and choose. You know, so its more fairer. Come to thinks of it we might just show some totals. You know how we don’t do accountability here at Bushland. Actually we gonna rename this week the “Sunshine and Lollipops Weekâ€.
March 14th, 2007 at 12:47 amWell….we not gonna let you see it all. Just some that we pick and choose. You know, so its more fairer. Come to thinks of it we might just show some totals. You know how we don’t do accountability here at Bushland. Actually we gonna rename this week the “Sunshine and Lollipops Week
March 14th, 2007 at 12:54 amYou know, so its more fairer. Come to thinks of it we might just show some totals
March 14th, 2007 at 12:59 amYou know, so its more fairer. Come to thinks of it we might just show some totals and exp.
March 14th, 2007 at 3:20 amYou know, so its more fairer. Come to thinks of it we might just show some totals111
March 14th, 2007 at 3:25 amYou know, so its more fairer. Come to thinks of it we might just show some totals1113
March 14th, 2007 at 3:29 amYou know, so its more fairer. Come to thinks of it we might just show some totals15
March 14th, 2007 at 3:31 am[…] week, the White House pressured the Office of Management and Budget to withhold earmark data from the public. OMB Director Rob […]
March 19th, 2007 at 9:08 am[…] White House Posts Lawmakers’ Earmarks Online, Omits Its Own - The White House on Wednesday unveiled an online list of all the pet spending projects appended by Congress to the federal budget for the 2004-05 fiscal year. The list saw light of day despite the Bush administration’s own best efforts, as it was reportedly pressuring the OMB just weeks ago to publish only a partial list for fear of angering some pork-friendly GOP lawmakers. The White House did manage, however, to keep its own earmark requests off the list. More. […]
April 7th, 2007 at 5:29 pm