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On Monday, November 29th, the U.S. Senate will likely debate and vote on an amendment offered by Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) seeking a moratorium on all congressional earmarks through fiscal year 2013.  The amendment will be debated as part of consideration of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (S. 510).  If passed, the amendment could have a significant impact on the way a utility or municipality applies for and receives a State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) or other types of earmarks to help pay for the costs of water and/or wastewater infrastructure improvements.   The amendment is the latest effort by fiscal conservatives in Congress who believe earmarks should be banned.  Last week, Republican leaders in the Senate declared their support for a complete moratorium on earmarks.  Earmarks make up less than one percent of the annual discretionary budget and spending bills.  A copy of the amendment is available by clicking here .

If this amendment would negatively impact the operations of your utility, it may be beneficial to contact your Senators in advance of this vote and urge them to vote no.  Should you have any questions regarding this alert please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Sinicropi or John Krohn at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling the national office at 202-833-2672.