Pork-barrel legislation
From Conservapedia
Pork-barrel legislation is legislation that brings federal money to a particular Congressman's district. Pork barrel legislation, also known as just "pork" or an earmark, is not in any budget nor is it requested by specific federal agencies. Conservatives consider pork to be wasteful of taxpayer's dollars.
Pork is often added at the closing minutes to larger bills such as Labor/Heath & Human Services Bill or to Emergency War Funds. Since pork barrel is not a traditional government expense presented for approval by congressional committee, billions of taxpayer's dollars can be spent.[1] Some bills exceed $20 Billion in Pork.
Examples of pork:
- $25 million by 30 House members for the National Writing Project
- $150,000 for the American Ballet Theatre in New York.
- $74 million for peanut storage [2]
- $320 million for a bridge in Alaska dubbed "The Bridge To Nowhere"
The politicians claim that there is scrutiny and "it can be cut out at any time.". [3] The fact remains, it is nearly impossible to derail lawmakers from these bad spending practices.
References
- ↑ http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200807/POL20080707a.html , CNSNews Congress Loads Bill With $277 Million in 'Pork, July 7, 2008
- ↑ http://www.examiner.com/a-619204~Congress_loads_up__20_billion_in_pork.html , The Examiner, Congress loads up $20 billion in pork, March 14, 2007
- ↑ http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200807/POL20080707a.html , CNSNews Congress Loads Bill With $277 Million in 'Pork, July 7, 2008
