Congressional Earmarks are Exploited by Parties

A Washington Post investigation has revealed the depth to which earmarks, legislative provisions that direct funds directly to specific projects in congressional districts, are being exploited for personal purposes. 

The Post first exposed how earmarks are sometimes used near the personal properties of members of Congress thus increasing the property value of their homes or businesses. 

“Thirty-three members of Congress have directed more than $300 million in earmarks and other spending provisions to dozens of public projects that are next to or within about two miles of the lawmakers’ own property”

In addition the Post investigation “also found 16 lawmakers who sent tax dollars to companies, colleges or community programs where their spouses, children or parents work as salaried employees or serve on boards.”

Earmarks have long been a controversial issue. Groups such as Taxpayers for Common Sense argue earmarks are exploited to win favor of voters including campaign donors.

Members from both parties have taken on this issue. Some in Congress argue that earmarks should be completely banned while others argue the process for granting them should be depoliticized.

However, it’s the party leaders that enjoy the status quo and fear reform. In order to keep the rank and file to toe the party line, party leaders utilize earmarks to garner support. “If you support me and this policy then I will guarantee that you get your pet project funded” is how  the argument goes.

If it wasn’t for partisanship earmarks wouldn’t be such an issue. But once again it’s partisanship that exacerbates it to make it a serious problem bordering on corruption.  

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