2009 Federal Revenue and Spending Book of Charts

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FY 2009 Had the Second-Highest Number of Earmarks in History Despite Change in Congressional Leadership

Earmarks, or "pork" projects, have escalated in recent years. There were more earmarks in 2005 than from 1991 to 1999 combined. In 2007, the number of projects dramatically decreased as a result of a year-long continuing resolution. Under the Democratic Congress, earmarks have shot back up to the second-highest level in recent history.

Number of Pork Projects

Source: Citizens Against Government Waste; The Heritage Foundation.

Key Research:

Federal Spending

Defense Spending Remains Below Historical Levels Despite the War on Terror	Federal Spending Grew Nearly Seven Times Faster Than Median Income	Federal Spending Is Growing Faster Than Federal Revenue	Since 9/11, Federal Spending Increased Much Faster Than Inflation	Federal Spending Has Increased Steadily Regardless of Congressional Leadership
Federal Spending per Household Is Skyrocketing	FY 2009 Had the Second-Highest Number of Earmarks in History Despite Change in Congressional Leadership	Mandatory Spending Has Increased Five Times Faster Than Discretionary Spending	Mandatory Spending Will Increase by $7,538 per Household in 2009	Medicare and Medicaid Spending Will Rise with Increasing Health Care Costs
Obama's Budget Would Return Defense Spending to Pre-9/11 Levels	Total Government Spending More Than Doubled Since 1965