Return of the Congressional Earmark Zombie
5th April 2022
Much like a Hollywood movie monster franchise, earmarks are back in the federal government. Congress’s $1.5 trillion omnibus bill contains pages upon pages of so-called “member-directed spending” for hundreds of pet projects in congressional districts across the country. Senator Mike Braun put the final earmark count at $8 billion, taking up 367 pages of the 2,700-page bill that funds the government through the end of the fiscal year.
Congress banned earmarks in 2011 thanks to a rather rare show of bipartisanship by House Republicans and then-President Barack Obama. Congressional bipartisanship then unanimously brought back earmarks last year. Supporters promised that the member-directed spending would be more transparent and accountable and reduce dysfunction in the budget process. They also vowed that member-directed activities would be meaningful and transform the community.
Nowhere is the corrupt practice of Buying Votes With Other People’s Money more clear and direct.