10-Year Ban On Earmarks Ends; Oklahoma's Delegation Takes Advantage A 10-year ban on earmarks in Congress is over, meaning members can once again direct federal agencies to spend specific amounts on projects in their home states, including in Oklahoma. For many Americans, the term 'earmark' conjures up thoughts of corrupt dealing and wasteful spending, but advocates, Republicans and Democrats alike, say that's changed. "The days are gone," said Congress Markwayne Mullin in a recent interview, "where earmarks were something to buy someone’s vote." Rep. Mullin, (R) OK-2, says the return of earmarks is a good thing because it means direct appropriating authority is being returned to the people who not only are constitutionally charged with disbursing federal monies, but also who have direct knowledge of where in their states and districts federal dollars will do the most good.