Republican lawmakers voted Wednesday to keep earmarks in spending bills, despite protests within their conservative flank.
Just weeks before the House GOP is scheduled to take the gavels in the lower chamber, the conference voted 52-158 against an amendment proposed by Rep. Tom McClintock of California that would eliminate their rule enabling lawmakers to earmark spending bills if they meet specific transparency benchmarks.
The vote was held two weeks after Republicans passed a rules package which did not include Mr. McClintock’s proposal. However, following discussions, GOP lawmakers decided that following the Thanksgiving holiday lawmakers would return and consider the rule again.