Roll Call reports that the White House is considering a bold move to cancel billions in wasteful pork-barrel spending in order to boost the economy:

The White House may link a possible executive order eliminating thousands of earmarks with a call for reprogramming the funding, perhaps through a direct rebate to taxpayers or by putting the savings into children’s health care or bridge repair programs, according to House and Senate Republicans close to the issue.

Although no final decision has been made on whether President Bush will in fact sign an executive order, Republicans said it is increasingly likely and that discussions of linking it to a taxpayer rebate or funding reprogramming indicate Bush may be looking to make fiscal responsibility a centerpiece of his domestic legacy.

Canceling about $20 billion in pork-barrel spending might help restore the party's 'brand' on fiscal responsibility. That can only be a good thing. But the reason to disregard the suggestions of Congressional committees is that those suggestions are wasteful. If the White House can redirect those funds to spur economic growth and job creation, so much the better. If not, it's still better either to rescind the money and commit it to deficit reduction, or to spend it on more important priorities through the agency process.

However, the value of the idea outlined here is that it will put Congress on the spot about their spending priorities. If the White House proposes to save billions, and channel that money instead toward tax breaks for investment, or individual rebates, or some other meritorious effort, Congress will be forced to address the question. They can either defend their earmarks in the light of day, or give them up and spend the money on other initiatives. The taxpayers are better served with an honest debate.

There's more on the status of the debate over economic stimulus today at the Wall Street Journal, and Senator Jim DeMint also penned a recent op-ed on Congress' addiction to earmarks; be sure to check it out. Lastly, for some of the horror stories about how Congress has elected to spend your money, check out omnibusting.org.