6 chapters across the catalog
The CHIPS Plus Act is criticized for containing hundreds of pages of "pork," including funding for art in STEM education and maritime technology research. Despite the push for domestic manufacturing, critics point out that the bill only requires 5% of a company's workforce to be in the US to qualify for funds. The discussion explores how decades of outsourcing to China for cheaper labor created the current supply chain vulnerability.
Coronavirus Spending Bill, Patriot Act Reauthorization
Lawmakers are negotiating an 8.5 billion dollar coronavirus spending bill, which critics fear will be used as a vehicle for "pork" projects. Specifically, there are concerns that the bill will include a quiet reauthorization of the Patriot Act, which is set to expire in mid-March. This tactic of jamming controversial legislation into emergency funding bills is a common practice in Washington.
Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Project Funding and Pork Barrel Spending
Senator Mitch McConnell reportedly secured nearly $3 billion in funding for a project in his home state as part of the deal to end the government shutdown. The hosts analyze how the deal was structured to make it appear as though Democrats requested the funding to save taxpayer money on a previously canceled project. This is cited as a primary example of how legislative crises are used to facilitate "pork barrel" spending for senior politicians.
Hurricane Sandy Relief Bill and Congressional Pork
A $60 billion relief package for Hurricane Sandy is criticized for containing "pork" unrelated to the storm. Items include $23 million for tree plantings, $2 million for the Smithsonian roof, and $4 million for the FBI to replace vehicles. Most notably, the bill reportedly includes funding for military bases as far away as Guantanamo Bay.
Omnibus Bill Earmarks and Federal Budget Totals
The $410 billion Omnibus Bill is moving through Congress with over 8,000 earmarks, including funding for the Carnegie Library in Medford and historic lighthouses. Despite the administration's focus on transparency, the bill has received little mainstream media coverage. The total federal budget is projected at $1.75 trillion, raising concerns about unnecessary spending during a financial crisis.
Financial Bailout Opposition and ACORN Funding
Dr. Ron Paul is credited for his long-term predictions regarding the financial crisis as he gains increased media visibility. The "No Banker Left Behind" program is criticized for containing pork barrel spending and social program funding, such as allocations for the organization ACORN.
