Can A Tranportation Bill Pass Without Earmarks?

Transportation bills are notorious for being chock full of earmarks, and with new attention being brought to curbing them, how will good policy get passed? A handful of experts are discussing the problem over at the National Journal.

1 minute read

December 7, 2010, 8:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur


Greg Cohen, President and CEO of the American Highway Users Alliance, says it is possible to curb earmarks:

"The prospect of an earmark-free bill could be exciting for transportation stakeholders in that passage of the bill would have to depend on the strength of the bill's policies, rather than the goodies in it for individual districts."

Phineas Baxandall, a Senior Analyst with U.S. PIRG, says that Cong. Jim Oberstar put new controls into effect that could make a difference this time around:

"Under Oberstar's watch, the Committee established rules requiring that earmarked projects have the support of local public officials, a plan for how to fully fund the project, information about the project's benefits, and proof that the member of Congress submitting the request will not benefit financially from the project."

The discussion continues over at the National Journal.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 in NationalJournal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog