Appropriations and Transportation

road-constructionEvery year Congress considers several appropriations measures that provide funding for the operations of the federal government. The process begins when the President submits his budget request to Congress and ends when he signs the appropriations measures into law and disburses funds to federal agencies.

One way for me to ensure that Northeast Ohio receives needed federal assistance is by requesting that the Appropriations Committee designate funds to specific eligible projects, commonly known as earmarks. Generally, these earmarks are financed through funds already budgeted for under general programs and do not result in an increase in federal spending. The primary distinction is that I have the opportunity to make sure your dollars are spent in Northeast Ohio.

However, this year due to the uncontrolled deficit spending, the House Republican caucus has decided to ban earmarks.  I support and have abided by this ban, which you can read more about here.