Comparison of Selected Senate Earmark Reform Proposals

Publication Date: March 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Politics

Type:

Abstract:

In response to reports of, and concern over, alleged irregularities in certain lobbying and representational activities, the Senate is considering various lobby and ethics reform proposals. Some have argued that the Senate should consider changes to the process by which the Senate earmarks spending priorities as a part of the larger focus on lobby and ethics reform.

Proposals to modify the earmark processes have been included in some Senate bills. On February 28, 2006, for example, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration ordered reported S. 2349, Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2006, which includes, in part, such proposed changes. In addition, provisions in both S. 2261 and S. 2265, sponsored by Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain, respectively, would also make changes in the earmark process.

This report provides a comparison of these three measures: S. 2349, S. 2261, and S. 2265 with the current Senate rules and practices.

This report will be updated to reflect any congressional action.