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An '''earmark''' is a legislative provision which [[Congress]] uses to direct funds to be spent on specific named projects and passed without examination: particularly, projects in the home districts of sponsoring members (see [[pork]]). Earmark allows [[Federal agencies]] to bypass regulatory determinations. Some earmarks become controversial for the perceived frivolous nature of the project. Earmarking is part of the process of awarding "[[pork barrel]]" projects.  

An '''earmark''' is a legislative provision which [[Congress]] uses to direct funds to be spent on specific named projects and passed without examination: particularly, projects in the home districts of sponsoring members (see [[pork barrel]]). Earmarking allows [[Federal agencies]] to bypass regulatory determinations. Some earmarks are criticized for the perceived frivolous nature of the project. Earmarking is part of the process of awarding "[[pork barrel]]" projects.  

The term "earmark" comes from cattle and hog slaughtering houses.  When cattle are being loaded for slaughter, a particular [[animal]] may be singled out for a special purpose, such as breeding; the animal would receive an earmark, so those loading the cattle would see the earmark, and direct the particular animal for its individual purpose.  In much the same way, as money is being appropriated for operations of the [[federal government]], or as "appropriations are being loaded", an earmark designates funds to be spent in a specific Congressional members state or district.  The process has become highly specialized over time, even designating specific businesses to [[award]] no-bid contracts to, or specific plots of land to be purchased from specific owners of land to build a federal project.

The term "earmark" comes from cattle and hog slaughtering houses.  When cattle are being loaded for slaughter, a particular [[animal]] may be singled out for a special purpose, such as breeding; the animal would receive an earmark, so those loading the cattle would see the earmark, and direct the particular animal for its individual purpose.  In much the same way, as money is being appropriated for operations of the [[federal government]], or as "appropriations are being loaded", an earmark designates funds to be spent in a specific Congressional members state or district.  The process has become highly specialized over time, even designating specific businesses to [[award]] no-bid contracts to, or specific plots of land to be purchased from specific owners of land to build a federal project.