What is pork barrel spending
Pork barrel spending is the act of using government funds on local projects that are primarily used to bring more money to a specific representative's district. Basically the politician tries to benefits his constituents in order to maintain their support and vote.
Pork barrel is a metaphor for the appropriation of government spending for localized projects secured solely or primarily to bring money to a representative's district. The usage originated in American English.
In election campaigns, the term is used in derogatory fashion to attack opponents. However, scholars use it as a technical term regarding legislative control of local appropriations
Pork barrel spending is the allocation of federal funds to local projects at the will of a congressperson.
Pork barrel spending is the allocation of federal funds to local projects at the will of a congressperson.
Origins and Reasons Behind Pork Barrel Spending
No one is exactly sure where the term 'pork barrel spending' originated, but some guess it comes from antebellum (pre-Civil War) times, when slave owners would give slaves barrels of salted pork and watch as slaves fought among each other for the meat.
Pork barrel spending occurs when members of Congress spend government money on specific projects intended to benefit their home districts. While on the national level, such spending seems illogical, these projects can help congressmen build support in their home district so they can be re-elected
One possible derivation for the phrase comes from the practice of country stores keeping a barrel of salted pork open and available to the public. Certain high-ranking citizens would come by daily to dip into this common fund.
Examples
Examples
Sometimes you may be able to get some pork barrel spending to come your way if the politician thinks it can help him.
The playground complex was nothing more than an attempt at pork barrel spending by the incumbent, as election time was near, and he had to pander to the voters for the best chance at keeping his seat.
The playground complex was nothing more than an attempt at pork barrel spending by the incumbent, as election time was near, and he had to pander to the voters for the best chance at keeping his seat.
 |
| Pork barrel spending |
