Earmark Killed, But Funds Still Head to Alaska

Republican leaders in the House and Senate have taken the unusual step of removing line-item funding for two controversial bridges in Alaska from the 2006 transportation bill. However, contrary to most headlines, this is merely a public relations effort on the part of Congress: the move does nothing to reduce federal transportation spending. The "earmarked" $442 million will, instead, be given to the state of Alaska as a lump sum to spend the money as the state sees fit; yet Republicans are trying to cut $50 billion in spending cuts over five years.

Reuters reports that the two bridges "had become symbols of egregious spending during an era of record budget deficits." Little surprise, then, that Republicans want to deflect attention.

Conservative Republicans, including Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) are pushing for additional cuts. Flake wants to kill 6,000 other earmarks included in the $286 billion transportation bill. McCain said , "We ought to do away with $24 billion worth, not just one bridge."

Tip to Crooks and Liars

Prior coverage: Senate Passes Budget Bill; Opens Alaska Refuge, Senate Rejects Reallocation Amendment, Everything But the Squeal, Taxes and the Federal Budget.

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