Archive: News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Michael A. Arcuri (NY-24) announced today that he will make all requests for Congressionally-directed funding (commonly referred to as “earmarks”) available on his official website this week to facilitate full disclosure of federally-funded local projects and initiatives.

“In my continued fight for openness and transparency in Congress, I want to make sure that my constituents know how this process works and how I fight for only the most valuable projects for my district,” Arcuri said, “This brings openness and accountability to a process that is critically important to the economic viability of Upstate New York. I will continue to make information readily available to my constituents so that all citizens feel confident in their government and engaged in local projects.”

In January 2009, the House of Representatives announced that members of Congress would be required to post all Congressionally-directed funding requests online. Arcuri went further in his fight for transparency by additionally requiring that each entity applying for funding submit three letters of support from outside organizations or elected officials that highlight how the project benefits residents, the community, and/or the economy of New York’s 24th District. Additionally, each applicant must include a letter stating the purpose, potential for job growth, and the lasting and positive impact on the quality of life for residents of the 24th District from the proposed project.

Congressionally-directed funding requests allow members of Congress to help fund local priority projects within the districts they represent.  Under the federal process, members of Congress submit requests to the House Committee on Appropriations, which reviews each request and has the final say on which projects receive funding.  Projects funded through Congressionally-directed funding still require the agency, business or organization that submitted the request to meet all application requirements of the federal agency administering the funding.

Arcuri’s website   will feature project descriptions and total costs for all Congressionally-directed funding requested by Arcuri for fiscal year 2010. Constituents and members of the media will be able to see who has requested federal funding, how much they have requested, and full project details.

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