Yet another controversy involving Congressional earmarks is brewing in Washington. This time around a lobbying firm, the PMA group (raided by the FBI in November), is accused of making fraudulent donations to members of Congress in exchange for federal pork directed toward their clients. Given mounting news reports of scandal involving earmarks, you’d think Members of Congress would jump at the opportunity to prove they’re clean. You’d be wrong. Two illuminating pieces of pork legislation were passed by the House yesterday. The first vote, the 2009 Omnibus appropriations bill, churned …
According to the Department of Transportation, the number of Congressional earmarks increased by1150% between 1996 and 2005 and the monetary value of those earmarks increased 314%. While Republicans have a spotty record on the issue, conservatives have long fought their corrupting and inflationary influence. the practice declined some in 2007, but with vulnerable seats to defend in an election year, the practice is back with a vengeance in 2008. Some in Washington have always underplayed the importance of the issue, but now that a shortfall in the federal Highway Trust …
