A Conservative Voice

Jim DeMint (R-SC) is a true conservative “patriot”.  He’s been fighting for conservative principles for many years, first in the House and now in the Senate.  He helped lead the fight against the immigration bill and said this during the debate about the recently approved tax rebate checks.

“What we are going to do, in time for the election is get a check in the hands of as many people as we can, and we are borrowing it from the future…we continue to look at the next election rather than the future of our country.”

In addition, he is introducing an earmark moratorium amendment to the 2009 Fiscal Budget bill.

“Americans want immediate action to stop wasteful earmarks. Democrats promised to clean up Washington after the number of earmarks exploded under Republican control, but two years later the congressional favor factory is still open for business and humming right along,” said Senator DeMint. “Last year, Democrats passed nearly 12,000 earmarks costing over $17 billion. We need to take a time-out from earmarks so we can make honest reforms that prevent American tax dollars from being wasted on bridges to nowhere and hippie museums.”

“Earmarks represent one of the worst ways to spend money. The earmark process allows politicians to fund pet projects based on political power instead of merit. Earmarks are rarely subject to public hearings or oversight, and they invite the kind of corruption that has sent lawmakers to jail.

“Earmarks are a bipartisan addiction and the only solution is to go cold turkey. Congress is not going to be able to kick the habit unless it calls a time-out.

“Giving up earmarks for one year is not too much to ask. Americans have to make these kinds of decisions with their family budgets all the time. Members of Congress should be willing to make political sacrifices necessary to stop wasteful spending and balance the federal budget.”

Jim has an earmark reform petition here.

Finally, there’s the 2008 Senate Conservative Agenda he helped create as Chairman of the Senate Steering Committee.

Thank you Senator DeMint for “Standing Strong” when it comes to Conservative Principles.