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Joe Bellis on Government Reform

 


All earmarks must have a defensible Constitutional purpose

Q: Do you agree that all earmark requests must have an established federal nexus, e.g., interstate commerce, aid in compliance with federal mandates, or other projects for which a defensible purpose exists for requesting federal government funding under the U.S. Constitution?

A: Yes.

Source: Independence Caucus candidate vetting questionnaire Aug 11, 2010

Disclose campaign fundraising & ties to earmarks

Q: Do you commit to support legislation that would prohibit the awarding of earmarks in exchange for campaign contributions?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you commit to support legislation that would require disclosure of fundraisers hosted, co-hosted, or otherwise sponsored by earmark beneficiaries and their lobbyists and require disclosure of their contributions for other events involving legislative and executive branch officials?

A: Yes.

Source: Independence Caucus candidate vetting questionnaire Aug 11, 2010

Adhere to 10th Amendment; delegate power to states.

Bellis signed the Tenth Amendment Pledge:

    As a public office holder, or a candidate for public office, I promise that, as long as I hold office:
  1. My votes will always be in favor of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this State. Every issue. Every time. No exceptions. No excuses.
  2. I do, and will continue to, oppose any and all efforts by the federal government to act beyond its Constitutional authority.
  3. I will proactively introduce and support measures designed to adhere to the Tenth Amendment and preserve, to their fullest extent, the powers of the People in my district, and of the legislators and administrations of my State.
  4. I will introduce, sponsor and support a resolution affirming the sovereignty of the People of each State under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
  5. I will introduce, sponsor, and support legislation that seeks to repeal laws and regulations that are outside the scope of the powers delegated by the people to the federal government.
  6. I will introduce, sponsor and support legislation that provides such relief as is necessary and proper to provide fair redress to the citizens of my State in response to actions by the federal government which exceeds its Constitutional authority.
  7. Whenever I vote in favor of a new federal power, I will always make public my justification for it within the confines of the enumerated powers of the Constitution.
  8. I will only vote in favor of a bill that I have thoroughly read, considered and understood.
  9. I will be accountable to voters. Upon request, I will make public every vote I cast while in office.
  10. I will keep this pledge public, and will provide a link on my website which directs constituents to the text of this pledge.
    Source: The Tenth Amendment Pledge 10-10th-GR on Jul 4, 2010

    Identify constitutionality in every new congressional bill.

    Bellis signed the Contract From America

    The Contract from America, clause 1. Protect the Constitution:

    Require each bill to identify the specific provision of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to do what the bill does.

    Source: The Contract From America 10-CFA01 on Jul 8, 2010

    Audit federal agencies, to reform or eliminate them.

    Bellis signed the Contract From America

    The Contract from America, clause 5. Restore Fiscal Responsibility & Constitutionally Limited Government in Washington:

    Create a Blue Ribbon taskforce that engages in a complete audit of federal agencies and programs, assessing their Constitutionality,

    Source: The Contract From America 10-CFA05 on Jul 8, 2010

    Moratorium on all earmarks until budget is balanced.

    Bellis signed the Contract From America

    The Contract from America, clause 9. Stop the Pork:

    Place a moratorium on all earmarks until the budget is balanced, and then require a 2/3 majority to pass any earmark.

    Source: The Contract From America 10-CFA09 on Jul 8, 2010

    Other candidates on Government Reform: Joe Bellis on other issues:
    KS Gubernatorial:
    Sam Brownback
    KS Senatorial:
    Jerry Moran
    Pat Roberts

    Retiring as of Jan. 2011:
    CT:Dodd(D)
    DE:Kaufman(D)
    FL:Martinez(R)
    FL:LeMieux(R)
    IL:Burris(D)
    IN:Bayh(D)
    KS:Brownback(R)
    KY:Bunning(R)
    MO:Bond(R)
    ND:Dorgan(D)
    NH:Gregg(R)
    OH:Voinovich(R)
    PA:Specter(R)
    UT:Bennett(R)
    WV:Goodwin(D)

    Unseated as of Jan. 2011:
    AR:Lincoln(D)
    UT:Bennett(R)
    WI:Feingold(D)

    Newly elected, Nov. 2010:
    AR:Boozman(R)
    CT:Blumenthal(D)
    CO:Bennet(D)
    DE:Coons(D)
    FL:Rubio(R)
    IL:Kirk(R)
    IN:Coats(R)
    KS:Moran(R)
    KY:Paul(R)
    MO:Blunt(R)
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    NY2:Gillibrand(D)
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    UT:Lee(R)
    WI:Johnson(R)
    WV:Manchin(D)

    Re-elected, Nov. 2010:
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    AZ:McCain(R)
    CA:Boxer(D)
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    OK:Coburn(R)
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    Page last updated: Nov 27, 2010