DeMint Wants Earmark Ban Adopted In Senate

Republican Senator Jim DeMint (S.C.) has secured the support of ten other GOP’ers to place a moratorium on earmarks for the next two years.

DeMint, a conservative who earned widespread attention for his ardent support of Tea Party-backed candidates this election cycle, would like to follow in the footsteps of his Republican colleagues in the House, who earlier this year adopted a rule prohibiting Members from requesting earmarks.

Soon-to-be House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) has pledged to renew the moratorium in the lower chamber.

“Americans want Congress to shut down the earmark favor factory, and next week I believe House and Senate Republicans will unite to stop pork barrel spending,” DeMint said in a statement. “Instead of spending time chasing money for pet projects, lawmakers will be able to focus on balancing the budget, reforming the tax code and repealing the costly health care takeover.”

Of the ten Republicans who have already signaled support for DeMint’s initiative, six are Tea Party candidates who won election last week. They include Kelly Ayotte (N.H.) , Ron Johnson (Wis.), Mike Lee (Utah), Marco Rubio (Fla.), Pat Toomey (Pa.) and Rand Paul (Ky.).

Paul’s support is notable given recent comments he made indicating that he would be open to securing earmarks for his state.

DeMint needs only a simple majority of Republican support in order for his proposal to pass. When the 112th Congress convenes in January, the number of Republicans in the Senate will total 47.