WOODSTOCK, GA – Responding to news that a majority of the members of the House Republican Conference voted today to change the Conference rules to permit Republican members of the House of Representatives once again to request earmarks – the very definition of special interest spending – Tea Party Patriots Action Honorary Chairman Jenny Beth Martin today sent a letter to every Republican in the House announcing the establishment of the organization’s “No Earmark Pledge” and inviting them to sign it, and released the following statement:

“Earmarks are bad. Earmarks are the currency of corruption, and they fuel spending growth. As the votes earlier this month on the Pelosi Progressive Payoff – that $1.9 TRILLION spending-palooza – make clear, Washington does not need any more ‘help’ spending taxpayer funds. Bringing back earmarks is a ‘solution’ in search of a ‘problem.’ Not only will bringing back earmarks do nothing to help get Washington’s reckless spending under control, bringing back earmarks will make the situation even worse.

“Consequently, Tea Party Patriots Action has created a ‘No Earmark Pledge,’ a public vow to be taken by members of Congress and those who wish to be members of Congress, so the public can tell who’s part of the spending problem and who’s part of the solution. 

“The text of the No Earmark Pledge is simple: ‘I, ________, pledge to the constituents of the ________ district of the State of ________ and to all Americans that I will oppose, and vote against, any spending bill that includes a congressional earmark or any “member-directed community funding” project.’

“Those members of Congress who are committed to ending Washington’s reckless spending ways should have no trouble signing, and living up to, this No Earmark Pledge. 

“We intend to deploy our national grassroots network to inform Americans all over who’s on their side, and who is not. Some have suggested that Americans no longer seem to care about Washington’s reckless spending. We disagree. And we are making a bet that when next year’s midterm elections roll around, we will be proven correct.”