Appropriations Requests

Brief Overview

Many constituents are interested in federal appropriations requests, or "earmarks," and how they work. The responsible application of earmarked funds, federal resources designated for local projects of high public purpose, can have widespread benefits for our communities, our state, and our nation.

In making such requests, my office seeks to use taxpayer dollars prudently, considering cost-benefit analyses and community support. These requests may support renewable energy, elementary, secondary and higher education, youth enrichment programs, health care and medical research, environmental protection, economic development, infrastructure, and transportation initiatives that have regional and national benefits.

The federal appropriations process is lengthy and complicated, involving 12 separate bills. In compliance with House Appropriations Committee rules and in order to make the process as transparent as possible, I am posting all of my earmark requests on this website. For a list of the earmarks I requested from the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2010. Click Here.