Washington State Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (5th District) will chair a 10 member panel to look at ways to reform earmark spending. The panel will make their recommendations by February 16th.

Earmark reform is long overdue and a critical step on the road to a return to fiscal responsibility. The Lincoln Club of Orange County, Ca. issued an ultimatum to the party called We Refuse to Support a Permanent Minority, earlier this year on the same subject.

Republican members appointed to the Select Committee on Earmark Reform include:

* Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Chair
* Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL)
* Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX)
*Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
* Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA)
* Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA)
* Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
* Rep. John Mica (R-FL)
* Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID)
* Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN)