Indiana’s Rep. Souder Unleashes Flurry of Pork Requests

(Washington, D.C.) - Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today criticized Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.) for his recent requests for federal pork projects totaling more than $228 million for his home district. The expenses include everything from a driving simulator for police training to a windmill museum. 

In recent years, Rep. Souder has taken heat for his alleged inability to bring home the bacon to Indiana's 4^th Congressional District.  He is apparently trying to repent for fiscal 2003, claiming that as long as the federal government has already taken his constituents’ tax dollars, he is simply fighting to return the money to his district.

“Instead of making a convincing case for fiscal restraint, Rep. Souder has responded to special interest pressure by diving into the federal trough with more enthusiasm than a kid in a chocolate factory," CAGW President Tom Schatz said.  “This is a disappointing development.”

“By lobbying for pork in his district, Souder raises questions about his credibility as a critic of the Washington, DC tax- and-spend mentality,” Schatz also said.  “If these projects were truly necessary and served the nation’s interest, they would receive funding through the normal budget process.”

Of the $228 million, $14.1 million is slated for five universities.  Half of that money will go to Souder's alma mater, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.  Other requests include: $8.2 million for the World War II Victory Museum being developed by his friend and political ally, Dean Kruse, $120,000 for the Mid-America Windmill Museum, and $2 million for the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium. 

"Rep. Souder's funding requests are not as philanthropic and universal as he claims,” Schatz added.  “These expenditures are meant to benefit concentrated interests for the sake of the congressman’s political career, and to help him get reelected.”

"It’s not pleasant to criticize someone who is usually a friend of the taxpayer, but it’s necessary to do so when someone like Rep. Souder makes it clear that he favors doling out tax dollars to selected groups who yield political influence, then pretending that the entire state or country benefits,” concluded Schatz.  “He would be much more effective if he promoted improving government efficiency, allowing taxpayers to keep their money and spending their money as they see fit.  Another good member has succumbed to the spending cult in Washington.”

Citizens Against Government Waste is the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.