October 13, 2006

U.S. Research Budget for Homeland Security Shrinks, but Defense Earmarks Survive

By JEFFREY BRAINARD and KELLY FIELD

Members of Congress have pledged that this year they will finally reform the controversial practice of "earmarking," the setting aside of noncompetitive grants by lawmakers for colleges and other constituents.

But judging from the first appropriations bill to clear Congress this year — to finance the Defense Department in 2007 — it is business as usual, at least regarding earmarks for academe.

Congress approved the bill late last month along with a separate

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