Author: ceruleanpolicy

Analysis: Does Canceling an Earmark Cut Spending?

This ABC news story illustrates a common argument against earmarks: Lawmakers on Capitol Hill look to cut spending amid thousands of omnibus earmark projects https://abcnews4.com/news/nation-world/lawmakers-on-capitol-hill-look-to-cut-spending-amid-thousands-of-omnibus-earmark-projects-earmark-projects-directed-by-members-of-congress-federal-tax-dollars What it gets right: What it gets wrong:

Analysis: Earmarks Not Swaying Votes (So Far)

One of the justifications for bringing back earmarks was to create incentives for members of both parties to vote for major bills by including projects that had been sponsored by individual members to directly benefit their Congressional District or State. Thus far, that has not been the case, per reporting from Stars and Stripes: House… Continue reading Analysis: Earmarks Not Swaying Votes (So Far)

News: Senate Earmark Split May Not Be 50-50

Roll Call reports: Senate Appropriations Chairman Patrick J. Leahy may no longer be planning to set aside half of earmarked funds for Republicans, a commitment he made months ago that his Republican counterpart expected as part of the upcoming appropriations process. “We just want to start having the bills and we’ll work it all out,” Leahy said… Continue reading News: Senate Earmark Split May Not Be 50-50

Analysis: Internal Deadlines vs. Committee Deadlines

As this local news story demonstrates, personal offices will set an internal deadline, often far in advance of the House Appropriations Committee’s deadline or the Senate Appropriations Committee’s deadline. This gives them time to weigh the relative merits of each project and come up with their final list, which they will submit to the Committee.… Continue reading Analysis: Internal Deadlines vs. Committee Deadlines

News: Community Colleges Stand to Benefit from New Earmark Rules

Inside Higher Ed reports: Traditionally, earmark requests were dominated by universities, but as the number of requests grew prior to the ban, community colleges also began to receive funding for projects on their campuses that couldn’t be supported by other programs, according to David Baime, senior vice president for government relations and policy analysis at… Continue reading News: Community Colleges Stand to Benefit from New Earmark Rules

Subscribers: Navigating the Difference Between Senate and House Earmark Accounts

Roll Call has a breakdown of the differences between federal agencies and accounts that can be earmarked in the House and Senate bills: Agriculture: Unlike the House, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s salaries and expenses and Natural Resources Conservation Service accounts, including watershed protection and flood prevention programs, would be open for earmarking in… Continue reading Subscribers: Navigating the Difference Between Senate and House Earmark Accounts

News: Senate Committee Announces Deadlines

The Senate Appropriations Committee posted their deadlines and guidelines for submission on May 12, 2021: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies June 17, 2021 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies June 18, 2021 Defense (not accepting earmark requests) July 9, 2021(not acceptingearmarkrequests) Energy and Water Development June 16, 2021(earliest datefor earmarkrequests) Financial… Continue reading News: Senate Committee Announces Deadlines

Analysis: Here Are the Senators Who Are Accepting Earmarks

At this time, it appears that all 48 Senate Democrats and 2 Independents (who caucus with Democrats) are accepting earmark applications. Politico reported on 6 Republicans who have confirmed that they will be submitting earmark requests, and 12 Republicans who have not made a final decision or have not commented. Senator State Position Roy Blunt… Continue reading Analysis: Here Are the Senators Who Are Accepting Earmarks

Subscribers: What Is the Financial Disclosure Form?

Some Member earmark submission forms reference the Financial Disclosure form in an ambiguous way that may make it seem like it is a part of the packet you must submit to the Member’s office as a part of your Community Project application. It is important to remember that the Appropriations Committee Website and its posted… Continue reading Subscribers: What Is the Financial Disclosure Form?