House Republicans on Thursday announced changes to the yearly process where members request funding for local projects, following conservative opposition to Democrat-backed earmarks over abortion and LGBTQ services earlier this year.
The House Appropriations Committee stated on Thursday that nonprofits would no more be qualified for “Community Project Funding in the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) account.”
The committee said the adjustment is part of a wider effort to guarantee “projects align with the community development goals of the federal program.”
Recently appointed Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) informed reporters earlier this month that members would discuss potential changes to the earmarks process, noting that some requests caused “political problems” for individuals.
“That’s just the reality of it, and I shouldn’t have to have a political problem in my district because I voted for a bill that had your earmarks in it,” he explained at the time, while arguing it’s an issue that members on both sides of the aisle share.
However, Democrats are already objecting to the changes.
“Deeming non-profits ineligible for Community Project Funding in the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) account is a seismic shift because almost half of all the 2024 House-funded EDI projects were directed to non-profit recipients,” House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) said in a statement. “YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other essential community groups are now ineligible.”
“The limitations House Republicans started last Congress were misguided. The changes to eligibility announced today are even worse,” DeLauro said. “When House Democrats are in control next Congress, we will reverse these decisions.”
This news follows Republican disagreement over the use of earmarks in two packages passed last month financing the government through fiscal 2024.
