San Diego Union Tribune December 23, 2005 How earmarking works Projects are added to the federal budget in a variety of ways. This is one common scenario: Step 1: A partner at a Washington lobbying firm sets out to recruit a client who wants federal funding for a local project. The lobbyist boasts of close contacts with powerful lawmakers. The lobbyist has likely contributed to those legislators' campaign funds or hosted some of their fundraisers. Step 2: The lobbyist advises the client on strategies for getting the project inserted, or "earmarked," into the federal budget. The most effective sponsors are members of the House or Senate appropriations committees, which control spending bills. A legislator from the client's home district also can help. Campaign contributions can get the legislator's attention. Step 3: The legislator writes an earmark request letter to the appropriations committee describing the project. Step 4 : The committee staff sorts through the stack of requests – tens of thousands come from House members alone. With little time for examination, political considerations are paramount. About 1 in 4 requests is granted, according to the budget watchdog organization Taxpayers for Common Sense. Projects supported by appropriations committee members have the best chance. Step 5: The spending bills go to the House or Senate floor for a vote, but often, the earmarked projects are not included. Instead, earmarks are added after the bill passes, often late at night as a conference committee reconciles the House and Senate versions of the bill. Step 6: The bill goes to both houses for a final vote. Members and their staffs often don't have time to read the list of additions. But with nearly everyone receiving something for the home district, the bill usually passes. »Next Story»