This year, there are no mariachi music programs, indoor rainforests or teapot museums receiving federal funding.
But that doesn't mean Congress has absolutely kicked the earmark habit, according Citizens for Government Waste, which released its 2007 "Pig Book" Wednesday.
The nonprofit group credited U.S. Sens. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., and Tom Coburn, R-Okla., for blocking nine appropriations bills in December that led to a moratorium on earmarks. "This year's Pig Book breaks a run of seven consecutive years of record dollar amounts of pork," the group said in a statement.
Still, it found a few things to squeal about, such as a $5.5 million defense grant so The Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center can research the effects of alcohol and drug abuse on the brain. "There is no mention of any defense-related research," the group's statement said. "Apparently, they will serve no pork before its time."
It also criticized a $1.65 million grant to improve the shelf life of vegetables. The group noted Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., had said the project "will help our troops in the field get fresh tomatoes."
And the nonpartisan organization also criticized the 29 percent growth in port security grants, which totalled $225 million. While those protecting Charleston's port will get a slice of that money, the group noted that ports in Martha's Vineyard, Mass., Arkansas and Ludington, Mich., will as well.
