Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

What is an earmark? Examining the congressional provision

A congressional provision both relished and reviled that benefits lawmakers' constituents is making a comeback — the earmark. An earmark is congressional funding for a specific local project. As old as the nation itself, they have often been pet projects of powerful lawmakers, and sometimes the source of scandal. Lisa Desjardins explains.

Support Provided By
Season
August 14, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 14, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 13, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 13, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 12, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 12, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 11, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 11, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 10, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 10, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 7, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 7, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 6, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 6, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 5, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 5, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 4, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 4, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 3, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 3, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 31, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 31, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 30, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 30, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Active loading indicator