Protecting American Taxpayers From Government Spending on Wasteful Earmarks
Agencies Ordered to Stop Spending on Non-Statutory Earmarks
What it does
Agencies must not spend funds on earmarks from non-statutory sources and must publish written congressional requests online within 30 days.
Real-world impact
- Limits agencies from spending on earmarks not included in statutory law.
- Requires agencies to publish written congressional earmark requests online within 30 days.
- Aims to reduce the number and cost of earmarks and increase transparency.
Topics
Summary
This order directs federal agencies not to commit, obligate, or spend taxpayer funds on earmarks that come from non-statutory sources instead of the text of laws. Agencies must base spending decisions on statutory text and merit-based criteria.
The order requires agencies to post any written congressional requests about earmarks on the agency website within 30 days, unless the agency head, after consulting the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, directs confidentiality. It also defines which entities count as agencies and defines "earmark."
Questions, answered
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications. Try:
- “What agencies are affected by this order?”
- “How does this order change existing policy?”
- “What are the practical implications of this order?”