Appropriations

Funding Priorities In Our Community, Enhancing Our Nation’s Capabilities

Many constituents are interested in appropriations requests, also known as “earmarks,” and how they work. The conscientious use of earmarked funds, or federal resources designated for local projects of high public importance, can have great benefits for the 11th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York state, and our nation.

In the past, the earmark process lacked accountability and transparency, allowing some Members of Congress to abuse it and lose the public trust. Congressional Democrats have instituted extensive reforms, including ensuring all Americans have direct access to determining the funding requests Members of Congress support.

The requests my office makes seek to use taxpayer funds prudently, supporting organizations based in my Congressional District with projects improving the quality of life for district residents. The requests may support higher education, social services, natural resource preservation, renewable energy, and homeland security initiatives with local and national benefits.

The federal appropriations process is complicated and lengthy, involving 12 separate bills. To make this process as transparent as possible, I have listed on this website all earmarks I requested for fiscal year 2010, organized by bill.

Fiscal Year 2010 Appropriations Funding Priorities In Our Community (PDF)

Fiscal Year 2010 Surface Transportation Project Requests (PDF)