(Washington, D.C.) –   The Republican Main Street Partnership urges support for a discharge petition seeking to force a vote on H. Res. 479.  “It is time for the Congress to pass meaningful earmark reform,” said current President and CEO of the Partnership and former U.S. Representative Charles F. Bass (R-NH).  “We need real reform that will eliminate wasteful spending, reduce the influence of special interests, and restore faith in the legislative process.” 

To date, 142 Republicans, including a majority of Main Street members, have signed a discharge petition that would force a vote on H. Res. 479 – a bill that would require all earmarks to be disclosed.  “By moving to force a vote on this legislation, Republicans in Congress are sending a message to the American voters that they are committed to real reform,” continued Bass. 

“We are proud to see so many members of Main Street joining this effort.  We urge the Democratic leadership in the House to join this effort to pass meaningful earmark reform.  Poll after poll makes it clear that the American people want to change the way Washington does business, and reforming the way we spend taxpayer dollars is a critical part of that reform,” said Bass. 

“Main Street and our centrist members are fiercely committed to promoting a legislative agenda that offers pragmatic solutions to the challenges this country faces.  We will continue to fight for common-sense legislation that works to restore the public’s faith in our political process,” concluded Bass.