Earmark definition: An earmark is a legislative (especially congressional) provision that directs approved funds to be spent on specific projects, or that directs specific exemptions from taxes or mandated fees.
Congressional spending should be for projects that benefit the US as a whole. Federal money should not be allocated by congressmen to the benefit of specific localities, or non-competitively-bid contracts to specific companies.
Open Secrets, list of earmarks, sorted by congressman. Click on the politician name to get his list of earmarks and who benefited.
Fine. If the Congress DIRECTS how the money should be spent, I have no problem.... this seems to be part of its delegated authority. The “general welfare” clause may apply.
What I totally disagree with, though, is giving bureaucrats a blank check to use the money however THEY see fit. At least Congresscritters can be voted out if they spend money foolishly. When bureaucrats have control, it is faceless.