Obama Stimulus Won't Include Earmarks, Biden Says

Vice President-elect Joe Biden released new details on the incoming administration's planned stimulus package, saying 85% of the three million jobs to be generated would be in the private sector and that no pet projects of lawmakers would be accepted.

Mr. Biden met Tuesday with the Obama administration's economic team as they closed in on a final price tag and set of programs for what will be the largest economic-stimulus proposal since the Depression. The Obama team has been releasing details for a week, in an apparent bid to appear engaged as the economy deteriorates. Senate Democratic leadership aides said the package should be unveiled on or around Jan. 1.

"Without substantial policy action, we would almost certainly face the worst economic downturn since the Second World War," Lawrence Summers, who is slated to head the National Economic Council, said ahead of the meeting. "That's why it is imperative that we take action to maintain demand, to maintain jobs, to maintain incomes."

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Comments

[Harrier]

Since the middle class and poor hasn't seen a penny, I would classify the entire bailout as an ear mark. The amont of money being spent would allow every American to retire. Trickle down has never worked.

[tbone99]

If Schapiro for head of the SEC isn't an earmark for Wall St I don't know what an earmark is.

[motoGpifupleez]

Earmark: to set aside or reserve for a special purpose or recipient. Sounds innocent enough. Probably started to insure money for a nobel project actually went to that project instead of something frivolous. Only a politician could take a sane idea and turn into a perversion. Which is the greater opiate, the money or the power?

[TJCole]

Exactly, there is nothing wrong with "earmarking" money for the national good....and a specific purpose...

We should have "earmarked" the hundreds of billions given the banks so it was used to loosen up the credit line with banks and not misused on bonuses or horded by these corrupt institutions as we have seen repeatedly already...!

Politics perverts language and communication all the time, which breeds failure...!

[suejester]

I can't help but be skeptical, because the 1st proposed "bailout" was not supposed to have earmarks, then once it was realized it would not recieve the votes, a slew of earmarks were introduced...

I know there will be a new senate and house involved, but I still remain skeptical, after all it's a politician making the statement of no earmarks.

[Jazzcomedian]

Congress isn't going to give up earmarks without a fight. If PE Obama wins that battle I'll definitely take my hat off to him.

[RJII]

A-M-E-N!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kaye08]

Thank goodness! It's about time we get rid of earmarks. It will be most interesting to watch this happen because a whole lot of people won't be able to tolerate this idea and will try to fight it.

[TrooAmerican]

Im just hoping the dems dont go crazy and end up fighting Barack.

They finally gain huge control after a decade + with Repubs in control and giving themselves all our tax money that could have been used to pay down debt and not waste on no bid contracts to buddies.
So now they are drooling at getting a piece of the pie that they were kept from by the GOP for so long, and im worried they'll go nuts and decide to mutiny unless they get favors.

[mamacat]

The idea that we will soon have competence returning to government actually brings tears to my eyes. Eight years of insanity in the White House has been driving me crazy!

[SparkyDash]

"Messrs. Biden and Summers said the stimulus plan would have measures to track spending on the Internet and ensure funds are spent effectively." Cool!

I hear frequently of VP-elect Biden's unique ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships in DC...he feels working together is healthier than conflict in reaching desired mutual goals. This honest use of respect for others should assist Mr. Biden and the others with development and implementation of the stimulus project. Much luck to all.

On a side note, Jill and Joe Biden fed homeless individuals and families on Christmas Eve at a Willmington, Delaware soup kitchen. At this time, HuffPo hasn't covered the story (even Politico did) but why am I not surprised...Happy Holidays Jill and Joe Biden; thank you for your service.

[ElBruce]

No pet projects "will be accepted."

Sigh.

I assume these people know how Congress works. What are you going to do, veto it? Ha ha, fat chance there.

[research]

BS! Earmarks are only 2% of the federal outlay.

Good luck getting all those congress folks online without em.

Earmarks are the grease that gets bills passed.

[breakingpoint]

ok Joe, Merry Christmas

here's to no more bribes, er I man earmarks!

crossing my finger

Cheers!

[curiousasheck]

Congress has decided this is the perfect time to vote itself a pay raise.

Instead of tightening their belts like us unwashed, they will get a $4,700 pay increase.

[DuganS1]

Here's a list of some of the requested pork per the WSJ:

Hercules, Calif., wants $2.5 million in hard-earned taxpayer money for a "Waterfront Duck Pond Park," and another $200,000 for a dog park.

-Euless, Texas, wants $15 million for the Midway Park Family Life Center, which, you'll be glad to note, includes both a senior center and aquatic facility.

Natchez, Miss., "needs" a new $9.5 million sports complex "which would allow our city to host major regional and national sports tournaments."

Henderson, Nev., is asking for $20 million to help "develop a 60 acre multi-use sports field complex."

Brigham City, Utah, wants $15 million for a sports park.

Arlington, Texas, needs $4 million to expand its tennis center.

Miami, Fla., needs $15 million for a "Moore Park Community Center, Tennis Center and Day Care" facility. The city is also desperate for $3.6 million to build a covered basketball court and a new tennis court at Robert King High Park. Then there's the $94 million Orange Bowl parking garage you are being asked to pay for.

La Porte, Texas, wants $7.6 million for a "Life Style Center." And Oakland, Calif., needs $1 million for Fruitvale Latino Cultural and Performing Arts Center.

[Kartoffel]

Yep. The actual substance of the stimulus package will be the biggest porkbarrel in history, so tacking on earmarks would be redundant. Forbidding earmarks is just a silly PR move that won't fool anyone with half a brain.

[Car84]

"Stimulus - the other 'other white meat'."

[TheGreatPumpkin]

All I can say to the one in Utah is: perhaps the Mo. ron Church (yes, I spelled it like that on purpose) should have used some of the millions they funneled into CA for the Yes to 8 campaign to help build that park. Now they want my money? HAAAAAA Wow- is it April 1 already?

[speakingtruth2power]

So how will it get enough votes?

Bribery's the way that DC works.

[LizM]

The art of persuasion is still a powerful tool, especially in the hands of a master like the Vice President-elect.

[ibsteve2u]

But it is OK with me if Biden resorts to a BFH (ends with hammer).