Oklahoma delegation’s earmarks seek millions for community projects

NON DOC

By Kaitlyn Deggs and Kaleigh Tingelstad June 12, 2021

WASHINGTON — Following the reinstatement of Directed Congressional Spending, or earmarks, a once-controversial process that allows lawmakers to request funding for local projects in congressional budget bills, the Oklahoma delegation has submitted requests to the House Appropriations Committee for specific projects in their districts.

For Fiscal Year 2022, U.S. Reps. Tom Cole (OK-04), U.S. Reps. Frank Lucas (OK-3) and Stephanie Bice (OK-5) requested earmarks for a multitude of projects. However, some Oklahoma delegation members who have criticized earmarks in the past continue to do so.

Earmarks were banned by Congress in 2011. Before that, earmarks were commonly used but attracted controversy from critics who claimed they led to wasteful spending and corruption due to a lack of transparency.

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