GOVERNMENT & POLITICS »» GOVERNMENT »» PORK BARREL SPENDING »» Sep 20, 2021

The term pork barrel spending, also known as earmarked funds, refers to the practice of funding projects that only benefit the constituents of a single legislator. Normally, these projects are not competitively awarded or subject to congressional review. They are usually requested by a single member of Congress to benefit a single local interest. Funding for these pet projects is usually inserted in large omnibus appropriations bills at the last moment. Several years ago, members of Congress agreed to a moratorium on earmarks but those days have passed. In 2019, Congress added 274 earmarks costing taxpayers $15.3 billion, while in 2020, this total rose to $16.5 billion. Since 1991, there have been 111,417 earmarks costing taxpayers $375.7 billion. One reason earmarks flourish is because they help create support for passing controversial bills. Lawmakers seldom vote against a measure that helps their own district. Critics say federal tax dollars should not be spent in a way that does not benefit most citizens. Supporters claim earmarks provide incentives for reluctant legislators to advance important legislation that otherwise might not pass without such inducements. Pending Legislation: H.R.1086 - Earmark Elimination Act of 2021 Sponsor: Rep. Ralph Norman (SC) Status: House Committee on Rules Chair: Rep. James P. McGovern (MA)