In these difficult economic times, American taxpayers expect politicians in Washington to tighten their belts along with the rest of the country. Nothing represents the excess in government more than earmarks, especially for projects like hops (beer making) research, theaters and sheep institutes.

Unfortunately, this year’s Pig Book shows that too many politicians in Washington want to be not only members of the House and Senate but also de facto mayors and county commissioners as they divvy up money for pet parochial projects. Contrary to what many politicians claim, Congress operated for 200 years prior to the creation of the modern earmark favor factory and will do just fine once it’s gone.

Thankfully, groups like CAGW have helped turn a cause that many critics once described as a quixotic crusade into a movement that has significant backing in both chambers and in both parties. When Democrats like U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and U.S. Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) forsake earmarks activists should know that their voices are being heard. Most Americans understand that earmarks are the gateway drug to spending addiction in Congress. Sooner or later, a majority in Congress will be forced to come to that conclusion as well.

• $7.9 million for 36 theaters
• $1,950,000 for the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service;
• $460,752 for Hops (for beer making) Research;
• $263,200 for the American Sailing Training Association in Newport, Rhode Island;
• $211,509 in olive fruit fly research in Paris, France;
• $188,000 for the Lobster Institute in Maine;
• $148,950 for the Montana Sheep Institute; and
• $98,000 to develop a walking tour of Boydton, Virginia.

Labels: Sen. Tom Coburn, Spending

Labels: Scott Meacham, Spending, Tax Cuts