Republican lawmakers are set to receive substantial earmarks for water and energy projects in fiscal 2025 spending bills, potentially benefiting from over $7 billion.
Andres Picon reports for E&E News.
In short:
- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell secured over $496 million in earmarks, primarily for energy and water projects in Kentucky.
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Randy Weber also obtained millions for environmental and waterway improvements in Alaska and Texas, respectively.
- House Republicans are dominating the distribution of earmarks, a practice both parties abandoned in 2011 and revived in 2021.
Key quote:
“I will continue to use my senior status as a Senate appropriator to shepherd Alaskans’ priorities through Congress.”
— Lisa Murkowski, senator for Alaska.
Why this matters:
The earmark process allows lawmakers to direct funding to specific projects that benefit their constituencies. This practice may strengthen Republicans' ability to address local needs while promoting cuts to renewable energy initiatives.
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