There are many unanswered questions as we begin the 2012 budget process. Earmarks may, or may not, be part of this process in the 112th Congress. Votes have been taken in Republican caucuses in both chambers that would eliminate earmarks in the upcoming fiscal year.
Until the rules and requirements are decided upon by the new majority in the House of Representatives my office will not be taking any requests. The process you have become familiar with in years past may not be appropriate in this new Congress.
Our office will be happy to contact you as soon as we know what the future of earmarks will be in the 112th Congress.
Earmarks are funds requested by a Member of Congress to be placed in an appropriation bill. These bills fund the government's many programs and operations and carry with them federal funds that can be used by local governments and organizations. In an effort to make this cryptic process more transparent, all earmarks requested of the Congressman are posted below.
It is important to note that this list is not what has been chosen to be funded. Members of Congress who sit on the Appropriations Subcommittees will make the final judgment on what projects will be funded. Very few of these projects will ultimately be funded, but the Congressman will fight for every one he submits.
The Congressman believes this list demonstrates two things. First, that while the term earmark conjures images of “bridges to nowhere” and pork barrel sweetheart projects, this list tells a different story. These are community shelters, soup kitchens, free clinics and cities’ programs. This list also demonstrates the enormous need facing our community and communities throughout the nation.
President Kennedy had on his desk a simple prayer which captures the plight of so many of our community’s service organizations, "O God, the sea is so great and my boat is so small." While it will never be enough, Congressman Cleaver will do all that he can to bring your federal tax dollars back home to ease the ever-increasing need.
FEDERAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS
High Priority Projects
Reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs is required September 30, 2009. During the reauthorization process, members will have the opportunity to include requests for High Priority Projects (HPP) to improve the transportation infrastructure in their district.
To address concerns that have been raised with the Member-designated Surface Transportation High Priority Project (HPP) program authorized in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU) and prior surface transportation legislation and to ensure that projects that receive funding in this surface transportation authorization act result in tangible transportation and safety benefits, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure requires that Member-designated High Priority Projects be available online.
