Earmarks

What is an Earmark?

Earmarks are funds provided by the Congress for projects or programs where the congressional direction (in bill or report language) circumvents the merit-based or competitive allocation process, or specifies the location or recipient, or otherwise curtails the ability of the Executive Branch to properly manage funds. Congress includes earmarks in appropriation bills - the annual spending bills that Congress enacts to allocate discretionary spending - and also in authorization bills.

What Does the Earmarks Database Show?

This database provides more information on earmarks in one place than has ever been available through the Federal Government. It is part of an effort to bring greater accountability and transparency to Federal spending. This step is also consistent with changes in the House Rules and Senate legislation during the 110^th Congress, which requires more disclosure for earmarks.

Browse:

• Estimates of FY 2009 Appropriations Earmarks
• FY 2008 Appropriations Earmarks
• Totals for FY 2008 Appropriations Earmarks/Benchmark for "Cut in Half" Goal
• FY 2005 Appropriations Earmarks
• FY 2005 Authorization Earmarks
• Search Earmarks full text:
  

  2009 Appropriations Tracking 2008 Appropriations 2005 Appropriations 2005 Authorizations

Limitations of the Earmarks Database:

Many earmarks in the 2008 database do not list recipients/beneficiaries. This information will be available after the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2008. In addition, the recipient/beneficiary listed in the database may not represent the final recipient/beneficiary of a particular earmark. For example, if the Federal Government provides funds to a specific recipient (e.g., a City), the recipient may forward the funds or benefits to another entity.

The 2005 database was not designed, and cannot accurately be used, to identify individual congressional sponsors of earmarks. Congressional sponsors are included in the 2008 database as identified by Congress. When earmarks do not have sponsors explanations are noted.