Earmarks by Congressman for the Pass Scrutinized in Capitol Hill Neighborhood

The Congressman for the San Gorgonio Pass is among a group of 33 lawmakers who have steered more than $300 million in federal earmarks and spending provisions to public projects that are next to or within a few miles of properties they own.

Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, who represents the west San Gorgonio Pass, is former chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee, and he is not seeking re-election in 2012.

According to a Washington Post investigation published Monday, Lewis helped secure $2.7 million in earmarks between 2004 to 2008 to redevelop part of Capitol Hill known as Barracks Row, near the Marine Barracks on Eighth Street S.E., about four blocks from Lewis' home in D.C.

The earmarks, previously reported by other news media, will be used to improve the Eastern Market Metro stop and two parks.

Lewis spokesman Jim Specht said the congressman requested the money on behalf of D.C. officials, adding, "He did not purchase his home as an investment property, and gave no consideration at all to whether this project would improve his property value," the Washington Post reported.

Here is the rest of Specht's statement:

"Since the District of Columbia has no representative in Congress, city and business officials approached Congressman Lewis directly in his role on the Appropriations Committee for help in improving the historic Barracks Row business district.

"Congressman Lewis agreed to support the plan as a means to provide a safe and pleasant environment for thousands who attend the Marine Corps evening parade each week, and for the tens of thousands of people who live in the surrounding Capitol Hill neighborhoods."

The Marine Corps evening parade is held Friday evenings at the Marine Barracks during summer months, according to the Barracks website.

Other California lawmakers named in the Washington Post report include Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, Rep. Gary Miller, R-Diamond Bar, Rep. Linda Sánchez, D-Lakewood, and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco.

Lewis announced in January. The Associated Press summarized Lewis' legacy in part:

"He made his mark in Congress by steering hundreds of millions of federal dollars over the years to a congressional district that includes portions of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

"The Justice Department investigated whether Lewis improperly steered federal projects to clients of friends and a former colleague, but it closed its investigation in 2010 without taking any further action.

"Lewis had hoped the DOJ’s decision would help him retain the chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee when Republicans retained control of the House, but he lost that bid last year. . . .

"While Lewis boasted of cutting wasteful spending, he was never shy about sending federal dollars to his home district for local hospitals, schools and an array of defense initiatives. In fiscal year 2010 alone, he secured nearly $100 million for his district and consistently ranked as one of the country’s leading earmark earners."

Thanks to redistricting, the San Gorgonio Pass will be part of the newly-formed 36th Congressional District, where , R-Palm Springs, is viewed as the incumbent.

Democratic challenger , an emergency physician at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, intends to run against Bono Mack in November 2012.

A pdf map of the new 36th District is attached to this report.