The findings by the DoJ in the investigation of 2020 killing of George Floyd are disturbing and show the urgent need for Congress to pass reforms that would combat racial discrimination and boost public safety, Biden said Friday.
Any serious earmark reform must require extensive reporting and transparency so as to expose the link between earmarks and campaigncontributions. Anything less would not restore integrity to thelegislative process.
There is no reason why Members of Congress cannot raise theirperformance measures on key domestic policy issues, many of whichhave already made some progress through the legislative process.Over the past few weeks, Members have shown exceptional resolve ona number of controversial issues. If they maintain this pace, theycould easily complete the needed work.
Growing evidence linking earmarks to bribes from lobbyists andtheir clients has encouraged Congress to enact reforms, but many ofthese proposals would make only cosmetic changes. Much moretransparency is needed, and stiffer reporting requirements shouldbe imposed on lobbyists, their clients, and the Members of Congressand congressional staff that they contact.