One of the reforms introduced by the new Congress was a requirement that funding requested by a specific member of Congress identify that member. Apparently, this year's list will not be completed until the appropriations bills get into the House-Senate conference committee. Congresswoman Boyda doesn't want to wait that long.
She has listed all the projects she's hoping to see funded. The list totals to about $200 million, though only a few of the 64 projects will ultimately be funded. A look at the list reveals a focus on local community improvements. Road projects, sewer improvements and public transportation, as well as community centers and law enforcement databases all made the list. She points out that these projects do not add to expenditures, they merely direct how parts of relevant agencies' budgets are to be spent. "Instead of someone sitting on the 4th floor in an office building in DC deciding where federal funds go, Members of Congress set aside a portion of funds for projects especially important to their districts," Boyda explains. "The result is - or can be - a more responsive, efficient federal government."
Congressman Moore plans to release his list of requested earmarks today. The Republican congressmen from Kansas have not announced any intention to make their requests public.