McCaul Proposes an End to Vanity Projects

During this years debate on how our tax dollars are carved up for influence on voting and campaign support, Texas Representative Michael McCaul introduced legislation that could at least remove the temptation of self congratulation.
In the last couple of years our congressmen have become so conceited as to name the projects funded by earmarks for themselves. Recently absurd examples include buildings named for Robert Byrd in West Virginia and Charles Rangle in New York. Poor taste is a kind description of the trend, these elected officials secure taxpayer dollars for pet projects in their districts and then as if to remind constituents of their benefactor's generosity, arrange to have the project carry their name.
To push back the tide of arrogance, Texas Representative McCaul introduced limiting legislation, saying....

"The legislation I am introducing is simple,"
"It would prohibit federal funds from being used for any project named after a sitting member of Congress."

There is already a House rule that prohibits the naming of federal buildings for active members, but this does not apply to other projects receiving federal funds.

Here is the full text and link to the original document....

End Funding For Projects Named After Members of Congress

Deadline for original cosponsors: Thursday, April 10, 2008 at Noon

Dear Colleague:

The American people are outraged by the waste and abuse they see in Congressional earmarks. One of the most egregious of these practices is members using taxpayer money to name the projects after themselves. Although there is currently a House rule that prohibits naming federal buildings after current Members of Congress, this rule does not extend to other entities that receive federal funds.

The legislation I am introducing is simple. It would prohibit federal funds from being used for any project named after a sitting Member of Congress. Please join me in supporting this common sense proposal that can help Congress start to regain the trust of the American people.

If you have any questions or wish to cosponsor, please contact Charles Fields in my office at 5-2401 or Charlesfields@mail.house.gov .

Sincerely,

Michael T. McCaul

Member of Congress

That this proposal is even necessary is disappointing. Simple in its intent, it is a great idea for ending the poor taste practice of those who not by the greatness of the actions in their career but by the desperation for legacy create their own idol for false worship.

Didn't the Bible cover this pretty well?

For his clarity I believe Mr. McCaul to be a great American.