Democratic leaders in the House and Senate are reportedly planning on returning earmarks to congressional spending bills. Earmarks, sometimes referred to as “congressional pork,” are federal monies requested by lawmakers that are added onto legislation for special local projects in their districts/state. This system of spending was banned in 2011 after several high-profile corruption scandals. Democrats have not specified what restrictions they will put around earmarks, however, the funding will likely be limited to nonprofits and localities. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut), who Chairs the Appropriations Committee, is expected to make an announcement in the coming weeks.
