While there had been some talk of stripping Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Oklahoma) of his position as chairman of an appropriations subcommittee, he now appears to be safe. Rep. Istook is currently the chairman of the Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies Subcommittee of the Appropriations committee.

Rep. Istook angered many fellow Republicans when he excluded funds from the final version of the fiscal 2005 omnibus that were for local transportation projects sought by more than 20 House Republicans. Rep. Istook, a vocal Amtrak critic, was upset at those Republicans who signed a letter endorsing more federal funding for Amtrak. There had been early calls for the removal of Rep. Istook from his chairmanship due to this action.

Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Pennsylvania) said he will initiate a House Republican Steering Committee discussion of the way earmarks were handled, but will not call for his colleague to be removed as chairman.