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By Niels Lesniewski Posted at 4:32 p.m. on May 2, 2014

Updated 10:01 p.m. | A Republican appropriator on Friday called for reviving congressional earmarks so lawmakers can use the power of the purse but wants it to be transparent.

During a wide-ranging interview airing Sunday on C-SPANs Newsmakers program, Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota urged a transparent process of congressionally-directed spending, when asked if earmarks should be allowed again in appropriations bills.

I think theres got to be, you know, full, open transparency and disclosure, but Congress has to work to make these decisions about where the dollars are spent and how, but everything has to go through a full open process, and not only in the committee, but also on the floor, Hoeven said,I think thats how you address the whole issue of earmarking in a way where Congress fulfills its rightful role that best serves the public.

He said such a practice would provide a better opportunity to slash pork and cut things that should not be funded.

The Republican senators viewpoint is similar to that of some other veterans of the Appropriations panel, including Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill.

Durbin responded directly to a letter circulated Thursday by Sens. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and Mark Udall, D-Colo., pushing to continue an earmark moratorium. Durbin said he didnt like that idea.

I do not want to turn over the decision on the future of projects in the state of Illinois to someone in Washington who is not familiar with our state, our economy and how we can build jobs in my state, Durbin told CQ Roll Call.

On the broader issue of spending for the next year, Hoeven said Friday he is backing efforts by panel Democrats to work the regular fiscal 2015 appropriations bills through the committee and to the floor for consideration.

Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said in March that he planned to carve out four weeks in June and July for the purpose of taking up spending bills. For Republicans, the measures could give them a rare opportunity to offer myriad amendments.

Original post:
Republican Wants to Revive Earmarks --With Transparency (Updated)