But the chairwoman added that “over the coming months, Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate must discuss the issue of earmarks in our respective caucuses and conferences to determine member preferences, solicit ideas to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, and when applicable, change rules to permit members to request earmarks.”
It was House Democrats who overhauled the earmarks process in 2006 in an effort to rein in funding directed to pet projects, instituting a one-year moratorium in 2007, followed by a GOP-led ban in 2011.
But lawmakers from both parties — especially those who have been on Capitol Hill for several decades — say the retired funding ritual doesn’t need to be nefarious and helps legislators ensure their districts get what they need from the federal government.
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