Heritage Foundation Leadership for America

FY 2008 Had the Second-Highest Number of Earmarks in History Despite the 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, there was a dramatic decrease in projects 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, or Budget Earmarks, 1991–2008

Source: Number of Pork Projects from Citizens Against Government Waste and Office of Management and Budget.