Boehner: Republicans need to make sacrifices


White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. — House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) challenged House Republicans to make a few sacrifices in the next year that will help the GOP sell their agenda to voters in the fall elections.

The Republican leader is scheduled to lead his members in a broad, potentially rancorous debate over lawmaker-requested projects Friday during their annual retreat here.

The reform proposals include a one-year moratorium on earmarks for all Republicans, the creation of a special panel to review the process, including the abuses that have occurred, and a litany of smaller guidelines to curtail wasteful earmarks or member-requested projects that benefit campaign contributors or other private entities.

“We're here today to ask ourselves: Are Republicans the party that can fix Washington?" Boehner asked his members Friday morning, according to excerpts of his speech. "If so, what sacrifices are we willing to make to PROVE we are that party? We cannot do this without being bold and putting forth fresh solutions.â€