Some federal agencies have developed a practice of siphoning off a percentage of earmarked funds to pay for processing and oversight of congressional pet projects.
According to the New York Times, that added up to nearly $500 million in 2008, or about 3 percent of the earmarked funds. The Pentagon topped the list, at $240 million, and 12 other agencies were responsible for the remainder.
Not all federal agencies engage in the practice, which was highlighted in a report compiled by the Office of Management and Budget. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., requested the report.
Read the full story in the New York Times.
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