Topic: Pork Spending

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.

A report highlights the continued production of M1 Abrams tanks at a factory in Lima, Ohio, despite the Army stating it does not need them. Lawmakers like Jim Jordan defend the $40 million in "pork" spending as necessary to keep the facility operational for future needs.

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.