Through the annual appropriations process, many Members of Congress request funding for specific projects in their home districts. These funding requests do not add funds to the federal budget, but set aside funds for a specific project that would otherwise be allocated to—and spent by—federal bureaucrats.

This year, Congressman Walz hosted a virtual hearing on his website where southern Minnesotans could comment on the applications he received before deciding which ones he would forward on to the Appropriations Committee. This was a unique and unprecedented way to give southern Minnesotans a say in the way their taxpayer dollars are spent. This year, the Appropriations Committee also followed Congressman Walz's lead and declined to accept requests from for-profit corporations.

As in previous years, Members of Congress were required to submit a formal statement to certify that neither they nor their family members had a financial interest in the projects they requested. Additionally, every project receiving funding clearly identified the Member of Congress who requested it.

In addition to these rules and in order to be as open and transparent as possible, Congressman Walz had previously taken the additional, highly unusual step of publicly releasing a list of the projects for which he requested federal funds. In previous years, Congressman Walz was the only member of the Minnesota Congressional delegation and one of the few Members of Congress to take this step. Last year, following Congressman Walz’s lead, the Congress required this step of all Members of Congress. Congressman Walz was proud that the full Congress followed his unprecedented level of openness and transparency.

Congressman Walz requested the following projects because they will create jobs and have a transformative impact on southern Minnesota. These projects were submitted to him by state and local officials in Minnesota, as well as community and non-profit organization.

Click here to view Congressman Walz's FY2011 Appropriations requests.

Click here to view Congressman Walz’s FY2010 Appropriations requests.

Click here to view Congressman Walz’s FY2009 Appropriations requests.

Click here to view Congressman Walz's FY2008 Appropriations requests.