Briefing: The Future of Earmarks

Bipartisan Coalition of Lobbyists and Advocates Brief Press and Public on the Next Steps for Earmark Reform

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--How can the earmarking process be reformed to better serve the American people? What role can the public and other advocacy organizations play in making the process cleaner? On Wednesday, October 20, a bipartisan coalition of lobbyists and good government groups will host an open discussion about five commonsense principles that if adopted, would promote a more transparent earmarking process. This coalition has already met extensively with congressional leadership and staff on the issue.

Congressional staff, lobbyists, advocates, the press, and the public are invited to join former Congressman James Walsh (R-N.Y.) of K&L Gates, Rich Gold of Holland & Knight, Dave Wenhold of Miller/Wenhold, Melanie Sloan of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Steve Ellis of Taxpayers for Common Sense, Craig Holman of Public Citizen and Tom Schatz of Citizens Against Government Waste for an open discussion on these new earmark reform principles.

What:	Bipartisan Coalition of Lobbyists and Advocates Brief Press, Nonprofits and Public on the Next Steps for Earmark Reform
When:	Wednesday, October 20, 2010
	10 a.m. Eastern
Where:	Cannon House Office Building Room 234
Who:	Former Congressman James Walsh (R-N.Y.), K&L Gates*
	Richard Gold, Holland & Knight*
	Dave Wenhold, Miller/Wenhold*
	Melanie Sloan, Executive Director, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
	Steve Ellis, Vice President, Taxpayers for Common Sense
	Craig Holman, Legislative Representative, Public Citizen
	Tom Schatz, President, Citizens Against Government Waste
	(*firms are listed for identification purpose only, lobbyists’ views are strictly their own, and not of their firms or clients)