Today, OMB updated their new online earmark database. If you recall, OMB’s database went live a few weeks ago with incomplete data and little detail. The new and improved version provides detail on FY2005 earmarks by state, agency, and program. This is a fun tool!

By all measures FY05 was the high water mark for earmarking (FY06 might have surpassed it but the Labor-HHS approps bill, traditionally one of the most heavily earmarked bills, had all its earmarks stripped out that year). OMB found 13,496 earmarks totaling $19 billion. By way of comparison, CRS found 15,899 worth $48B and we (TCS) found 15,584 worth $32.7B for FY05. It all goes back to the definition or earmark, which the administration defines as “additional funding provided by the Congress … for activities/projects/programs not requested by the Administration.” So, according to OMB there is no such thing as an administration earmark, which is certainly not the case (they also get into the issue of programmatic control which is a different matter). We are going to be digging to find out what is in the 2,000 earmark delta.

Nevertheless, this database provides another tool for the budget watchdog’s tool belt to help chip away at wasteful spending. We intend to take a closer look at the database and put it to good use. Also, OMB’s authorization earmark and search functions are not yet live, but as a budget geek, I am as anxiously anticipating their arrival as 12 year old waiting for the next Harry Potter book. Hopefully, I won’t have to wait as long…