Issue Tool Kit: Federal Earmarks Are Back, and They’re Threatening Our Future

Republicans are pushing to revive earmarks in a short-term funding bill, risking billions in targeted projects as our national debt spirals out of control.

⏱️ 5 minute read

They’re Baaaaackkk…

Congress faces a September 30th deadline to fund the government, and House Republicans are rallying behind a risky idea: Bring back earmarks. According to POLITICO, even fiscal hawks see “community project funding” as a way to secure local wins without a massive omnibus. But this is a terrible idea when our national debt is at catastrophic levels.

Earmarks tempt lawmakers to back bloated bills to secure local projects like bridges or schools. Before 2011, earmarks led to all sorts of messes—like bridges to nowhere, teapot museums, and questionable research grants—that jacked up budgets and killed public confidence. Such spending distorts priorities, rewarding political clout over national need. With our debt crisis worsening, reviving earmarks risks locking in reckless habits. Why is this so dangerous? …continued after firewall…

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