| Freshman House Republicans who rode a wave of voter discontent into office last year vowed to stop out-of-control spending, but that has not stopped several of them from quietly trying to funnel millions of federal dollars into projects back home.They have pushed for dozens of projects in their districts,including military programs opposed by the president, replenishing beach sand lost to erosion,a $700 million bridge in MN and a harbor dredging project in SC.Some of their projects were once earmarks, political shorthand for pet projects penciled into spending bills, which Repubs banned when they took over the House.An examination of spending bills, news releases & communications with federal agencies obtained under FoIA shows that nearly two dozen freshmen have sought money for projects that could ultimately cost billions of dollars while calling for less spending& banning pork projects |
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