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This week’s GH goes to the U.S. Congress — especially the Democrats controlling both chambers — for pouring billions of taxpayer dollars into lawmakers’ pet projects through the revived process of earmarking.
A total of 4,975 earmarks worth over $9 billion combined were funded in the $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill passed in March and signed by President Biden, the Associated Press reported.
While lawmakers in both parties collected billions in earmarks for their home states, Democrats’ projects cost 50% more than those of Republicans.
The omnibus spending bill approved $5.1 billion in earmarks (now formally euphemized as “member-directed spending”) for Democrats, $3.4 billion for Republicans and $600 million for bipartisan sponsored projects.
Democrats had 3,682 earmarks compared to 1,014 for Republicans, an analysis by the New York Times showed.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer topped the list for number of earmarks with a total of 203 projects worth a whopping $314 million.
His projects included $27 million to upgrade water systems at upstate New York’s Fort Drum and $23 million for hospitals, violence prevention and other programs in Brooklyn, his home borough, the AP reported.
Schumer also secured $2.75 million for the “Chemung Center for Innovation” at Waverly Central School District and $1.97 million for a Family YMCA in Plattsburgh, a review of Senate appropriations records by Just The News shows.Oregon Democratic Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkeley came in second after Schumer in the number of projects funded, with the pair raking in a total of $173.3 million for 149 projects for their state. Documents reviewed by JTN show the Democratic senators got $4.87 million for Ochoco Irrigation District Watershed projects; $2.5 million for East Fork Irrigation Modernization; $50K for a fossil library; and $50K for broadband solar trailers, among other pet projects.While the three Democratic senators earned the dubious distinction of having the […]
They’re Trying to Shut Us Down
Over the last several months, I’ve lost count of how many times the powers-that-be have tried to shut us down. They’ve sent hackers at us, forcing us to take extreme measures on web security. They sent attorneys after us, but thankfully we’re not easily intimidated by baseless accusations or threats. They’ve even gone so far as to make physical threats. Those can actually be a bit worrisome but Remington has me covered.
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JD Rucker