Author Archive

Diana Evans

Professor of political science, Trinity College

Oversight

The ‘Gateway Drug to Corruption and Overspending’ Is Returning to Congress – but Are Earmarks Really that Bad?

Banned in 2011, pork-barrel spending may return to Congress, where Democrats want to resurrect the practice to make passing budgets easier – and help keep their narrow majority in 2022 elections.

Oversight

Would Bringing Back Pork-Barrel Spending End Government Shutdowns?

Banned since 2011, pork-barrel spending may well help Congress pass bills on schedule. Now, a powerful Democratic lawmaker said she'd like to resurrect the practice to make passing budgets easier.

Oversight

A Return To Earmarks Could Grease The Wheels In Congress

Pork-barrel spending – that often reviled custom otherwise known as 'earmarks' – may well help Congress pass bills on schedule. Banned since 2011, they may be making a comeback.