Don’t Bring Back Earmarks

Sigh. Here we go again. The House Republican Conference is quietly discussing the possibility of bringing back earmarks, or dedicated federal funds in appropriations bills usually for pet projects in a member’s district or state. The organizations or projects for which these funds are earmarked aren’t the subject to committee hearings and serve some special interest. Earmarks are pork-barrel spending by another name.

In November, House Republicans considered a proposal spearheaded by Reps. John Culberson (R-Texas), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), and Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) to revive earmarks. The thinking is that earmarks would make it easier for congressional leadership to trade for votes.