Spending Bill Tests Obama's Credibility

By: Mark Knoller
Topics: White House

(CBS)

At an event this morning, President Obama again demanded that the government he now heads "turn the tide on an era of fiscal irresponsibility."

But his credibility on the issue is at risk if he goes ahead with plans to sign the $410 billion spending bill now making its way to final passage in Congress.

The measure is rife with earmarks – special spending provisions attached by members of Congress, usually to benefit a home district project. There are 8,570 earmarks on this bill that if enacted will cost taxpayers $7.7 billion.

The White House says the legislation is leftover from last year and that President Obama will work to reduce future wasteful spending.

In other words, the White House says the president will really get tough on spending right after he looks the other way and green lights $410 billion in spending for the current fiscal year.

"We'll change the rules going forward," says spokesman Robert Gibbs.

Earlier today, President Obama announced a new push to eliminate cost overruns and other wasteful spending in federal contracting. He said he wants to "enhance accountability and avoid leaving our children a mountain of debt."

Actually, the mountain taking shape on his watch will give Everest a run for the money.

The budget plan the president issued last week shows the National Debt climbing to record heights of $16.2-trillion by the end of his four-year term. That amounts to an increase of $5.6-trillion on his watch – more than the $4.9 trillion run up by President Bush.

And when it comes to changing congressional rules on earmarks, Mr. Obama is being told to butt out – by none other than a top Democrat.

"I don't think the White House has the ability to tell us what to do," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, telling reporters, "I hope you all got that down."

"I saw those remarks," said Gibbs, who then reiterated the president's commitment to work with Congress to reduce wasteful spending.

Just none contained in the earmarks of the spending bill headed his way.

(CBS)

Mark Knoller is a CBS News White House correspondent. You can read more of his posts in Hotsheet here.

Mark Knoller
Mark Knoller is a CBS News White House correspondent.
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by bethtopaz53 March 10, 2009 12:28 AM EDT: What credibility?; Reply to this comment


by cereally March 7, 2009 11:46 PM EST: what part of translucent means cluster fu$ked!; Reply to this comment


by philabias March 6, 2009 4:02 AM EST: Oh he will sign it he had his and bidens names removed from the 200 billion they earmarked but he really dont care if you know that he was lieing, he's elected now and he has plans for America. and he's right on track to bankrupt the market within his 1st year.; Reply to this comment


by philabias March 6, 2009 3:56 AM EST: yep this is the spending bill that Obama had his name removed from his earmarks so you dont know that he is the king ofspending.spent as much as bush did in 8 years and did it under 2 months and still promises to spend us to wealth. Come on America do we really have to watch this trainwreck I guess the only upside is that most of those that are turning upbankrupti voted for Obama; Reply to this comment


by tiredofthebs March 6, 2009 12:24 AM EST: 8,570 earmarks at a cost of $7.7 Billion . Oh yeah ..... that's "CHANGE I CAN BELIEVE IN".; Reply to this comment


by pensacola8-2009 March 5, 2009 8:57 AM EST: I am sick of CBS printing this type of stuff.

Media Toxicity will never allow the economy to prosper or world relations to improve.; Reply to this comment


by bobnjersey March 5, 2009 8:41 AM EST: [Let's just hope that enough Democrats and Republicans in Congress can't be bought....]
[Posted by boosterprez1 at 6:47 PM : Mar 4, 2009 ]

this is a lost hope. horse trading and cross bill dealing is the way of congress ... and the source of all problems.; Reply to this comment


by msay3 March 5, 2009 8:23 AM EST: "DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO".....The rules don't seem to apply to Obama-nation.; Reply to this comment


by msmabuse March 5, 2009 12:57 AM EST: credibility,
this is something you say if you ever trusted someone.
since he cant even tell us where he was born or that he is muslim. He never had credibility.; Reply to this comment


by credibility2 March 5, 2009 12:03 AM EST: Obama's credibility will be tested with this latest round of spending. I believe he made a campaign promise that he would never sign anything that had earmarks in it. It's time for him to make up his mind. Either he's against earmarks, or he's not. Most of the earmarks are form the Dems, although Repubs have a few in there as well. Clearly, most of them are the handiwork of the out of control Dems.; Reply to this comment