WASHINGTON — The Senate on Tuesday easily killed a move by conservative Republicans to temporarily ban senators from earmarking spending bills with back-home projects such as roads, water projects and grants to local governments.
Fifteen Republicans joined with most Democrats in rejecting the moratorium by a 68-29 vote.
In the House, Republicans imposed a GOP earmark ban last week. Democrats declared that earmarks can no longer go to firms whose executives and hired lobbyists too often return the favor with campaign contributions.
Defenders say earmarks represent a small portion of the overall budget, are a way for lawmakers to exercise Congress’ power of the purse, and that they know the needs of their states better than agency bureaucrats.
Opponents say they are often wasteful, invite corruption and are a way to win votes.
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