Should We Bring Back Earmarks?

Earmarks have been denounced as both wasteful and corrupt. Shortly before becoming Speaker, John Boehner declared,

“Earmarks have become a symbol of a Congress that has broken faith with the people.” Enacting abn on earmarks, the soon-to-be Speaker of the House, observed, “shows the American people we are listening and we are dead serious about ending business as usual in Washington.”

Today, at least one member wishes aloud that earmarks would come back. Roll Call’s David Hawkings reports retiring Maryland Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski thinks bringing them back would improve Congress’ ability to reach agreement on legislation. 

Read more at http://www.rollcall.com/news/bring-back-earmarks.