Many Republicans in Congress are refusing to earmark as a matter of principle, characterizing it as graft. About $14 billion, or 1% of discretionary spending, will be devoted to earmarks in this year’s spending bills. Still, more than 100 House Republicans and one Democrat have declined to participate in what is now being called “community project funding." Senate Republicans have maintained their conference rules banning earmarks, but lawmakers are not bound by them. Separately, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will include earmarks in a bill reauthorizing money for roads, bridges and transit programs.

Source: ABC News May 24, 2021 05:43 UTC