The Earmark Next Door
David S. Fallis, Scott Higham and Kimberly Kindy write in the WaPo that earmarks are sometimes used to fund projects near properties owned by lawmakers:
A U.S. senator from Alabama directed more than $100 million in federal earmarks to renovate downtown Tuscaloosa near his own commercial office building. A congressman from Georgia secured $6.3 million in taxpayer funds to replenish the beach about 900 feet from his island vacation cottage. A representative from Michigan earmarked $486,000 to add a bike lane to a bridge within walking distance of her home.Thirty-three members of Congress have directed more than $300 million in earmarks and other spending provisions to dozens of public projects that are next to or within about two miles of the lawmakers' own property, according to a Washington Post investigation.
Under the ethics rules Congress has written for itself, this is both legal and undisclosed.
If you don't understand that politics is the career of sleazy self-interest, tarted up as "public service," you're either 10 or seriously naive. As with cockroaches, turn the lights on on almost any politician and it's going to be ugly. (And, pssst, this includes those who profess to be on the side of all that is good and right in the universe like Nancy Pelosi.)
via @mpetrie98
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