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House GOP votes to reverse internal ban on earmarks By Rebecca Kaplan, Grace Segers
March 17, 2021 / 1:00 PM / CBS News Biden supports filibuster change
Washington House Republicans voted Wednesday morning to reverse an internal ban on earmarks, which allow lawmakers to direct funding in spending legislation to pet projects, according to a Republican familiar with the vote. The Democratic majority in the House and Senate have moved forward to reinstate earmarks, now renamed community project funding.
The GOP resolution, which was adopted by a secret-ballot vote, was written to say that members may not request earmarks unless several criteria are met, including the public disclosure and justification for the request. Members and their immediate family cannot have a financial interest in the request, and it must comply with any guidance issued by Republican committee chairs or ranking members.
Congress used the budget reconciliation process to pass the measure, which allowed the aid package to pass the Senate with a simple-majority vote after a grueling 24 hours of voting that was nearly derailed by disagreements over unemployment insurance benefits.
The COVID-19 relief package provides $1,400 direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 annually, $350 billion in aid to state and local governments a sticking point in past negotiations between Republicans and Democrats and $14 billion for vaccine distribution. The measure also includes an additional $300 in weekly jobless benefits through September and a child allowance of up to $3,600 per family.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters many Americans will receive their checks by the end of the month.