A Seattle Times analysis of the 2008 defense bill (total cost: $488 billion) found 110 instances of the House violating its own earmarks rules, with $3.5 billion in hidden spending. In the Dallas delegation, only Democrat Eddie Bernice Johnson and Republican Jeb Hensarling washed their hands of the dirty business. After the jump, how our four other GOP Congressmen — all proud “conservatives” when running for re-election — weasled their way into spending your tax dollars:
Pete Sessions
Total earmarks: $9,200,000 Contributions from earmark recepients: $222,250
Sam Johnson
Total earmarks: $8,840,000 Contributions from earmark recepients: $181,350
Ralph Hall
Total earmarks: $5,600,000 Contributions from earmark recepients: $159,379
Kenny Marchant
Total earmarks: $5,200,000 Contributions from earmark recepients: $58,700
Joe Barton
Total earmarks: $4,400,000 Contributions from earmark recepients: $189,250
The biggest recepient of the generoisity of our local delegation was L-3 Communications, which racked up a total of $9.6 million that its lobbyists couldn’t get from the Defense Department or through the regular appropriations process but which our local congressmen happily supplied, whether it is needed or not.
I still think Matt Taibbi, in “The Great Derangement,” explains how those earmarks get there the best.
He also has one of the more alternately hilarious and horrifying stories about Johnson I’ve seen.
Bethany, I believe you are talking about Sam Johnson, not Eddie Bernice. Just to clarify.
Doh! Correct. Sam Johnson.
Looks like Kenny is the man to buy. He’s cheap and affective - $58,700 to get $5,200,00.
Joe Barton either knows how to work the crowd or is not near as adept at getting earmarks.
Pete Sessions $9,200,000 $222,250 2.42%
Sam Johnson $8,840,000 $181,350 2.05%
Ralph Hall $5,600,000 $159,379 2.85%
Kenny Marchant $5,200,000 $58,700 1.13%
Joe Barton $4,400,000 $189,250 4.30%
I think we need to look more at what the earmarks went for, rather than the dollar amount, though.
I’m not saying this session was the case, but Ralph Hall once asked for a $1.5 million (or so) earmark to an appropriations bill that meant the small town of Leonard could make badly-needed upgrades to its sewage treatment facility, which fed into drinking water supplies when it overflowed after rain. The city itself had raised its property taxes by as much as the law would let them without a rollback election, but spent more money paying TCEQ and EPA fines than it could save for the upgrade.
To me, that’s an example of a good earmark - something that not only helps one small town, but also ensures drinking water for a pocket of the state is not contaminated.
Michael in LH, you are brilliant.
How could you not list Kay Granger?
$21.9 million in earmarks –
Joe Barton has a private foundation that potential recipients of largess are encouraged to support: http://www.joebartonfamilyfoundation.org/
Many politicians have established similar organizations as an effective means of avoiding transparency.
Donors don’t have to disclose their donations, and the funds are spent in such a manner as to enhance the visibility/popularity/re-electability of the politician.
Marchant has a foundation too. It donated to the University that gave him an honorary degree.