1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

There have constantly been reports of legislation being processed in Congress that contain special project items for various members of Congress. These are called pork barrel projects and are created by their originator to distribute to their constituents at the expense of the federal taxpayer. The cost of these projects has received much publicity. The cost of running the federal government is high enough without our representatives or senators adding special projects in legislation.

Many times it appears the projects have no connection to the legislation being processed. While this may not always be the case it would better serve the public if this practice is changed. Special projects should not be allowed in any legislation for which there is no connection.
The costs of these projects increase the cost of running the federal government. The practice of adding special projects to legislation should meet some criteria. It presently appears that no such criteria exist. If it does, it needs to be revised. Some examples of requirements that these projects should include is the requirement that the project is connected to the legislation being processed. While all special projects are not targeted in the previous comments, there should be some criteria established in allowing them to be added to legislation. Added costs of these projects can place a burden on the cost of government. We as taxpayers want the cost of the federal government to be efficient and economical. Viable special projects should be allowed in the applicable legislation to which there is a connection with certain qualifications as identified in this article.
The practice of pork barrel projects I feel affects the integrity of the legislative process. Nothing should be generated and added to legislation for which there is no connection. While there are hundreds if not thousands of bills processed by our federal government into law, special projects or pork barrel projects should stand on their own merit and either pass or fail. Those that have a direct connection to legislation being presented should be allowed to be added if they are a viable project that will improve the lives of the people it affects.
In summary, pork barrel projects and the process that allows them should be established or revised. Suggestions for amending legislation with the projects include the following:
They should have a connection to the legislation for which a request for amendment is being made.
They should be able to stand on their own merit. If they cannot they should not qualify for being presented.
Special projects which will have a positive impact to the country and/or the people which are affected by the legislation should be allowed based on the conditions above.
Another part of the criteria should be that the projects have a high degree of integrity. They should not be meant as a distribution to the applicable representatives or senators constituents as identified in the first paragraph.
The last criteria should be the cost in comparison to the benefits provided by the project. A high lost with no substantial positive impact should be carefully examined before allowing serious consideration.

Learn more about this author, Dennis Aubuchon.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Reducing pork barrel legislation?
We want to hear your view. Write now!