Appropriations
Members of Congress have traditionally sought funding in annual spending bills for specific projects designed to spur economic development, improve infrastructure, foster innovation and strengthen vital social services. In many cases, this process provides the only means by which communities can obtain significant federal support for important projects.
While earmarks represent a small portion of the annual federal budget (about one half of one percent of all spending in fiscal year 2009), the need for transparency and accountability is essential to ensuring the public's confidence in this process. In 2007, I joined my colleagues in enacting new rules designed to strengthen the public's ability to identify the Congressional sponsors of these projects. As a result of these efforts, the name of the Member(s) of Congress who have advocated for a particular project now appear in the text of the statement accompanying the bill. Additionally, reforms that I supported now require Members of Congress to certify that they have no financial interest in the projects they have sponsored. These changes constitute an unprecedented commitment to reforming Congressionally-directed spending practices. As the 111th Congress continues its work, I will continue to support steps to further increase the transparency of this process.
To help you draw your own conclusions about the benefits and drawbacks of Congressionally directed spending, please find links to projects that I am supporting in fiscal year 2011 below and summaries of past projects funded under related downloads.
Fiscal Year 2011 Agriculture Appropriations
Fiscal Year 2011 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations
Fiscal Year 2011 Department of Defense Appropriations
Fiscal Year 2011 Energy and Water Appropriations
Fiscal Year 2011 Financial Services Appropriations
Fiscal Year 2011 Interior-Environment Appropriations
Fiscal Year 2011 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations
Fiscal Year 2011 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations
Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations