Pork Is Back in Congress: Cicilline & Langevin Ask for Millions for Special Projects - SEE THE LIST

Pork Is Back in Congress: Cicilline & Langevin Ask for Millions for Special Projects - SEE THE LIST

Pork is back in Washington — and for one Congressional district in Rhode Island, there is much more bacon on the table

This week, the United States House of Representatives posted online thousands of earmarks proposed by members of Congress. The taxpayer cost of these new projects amounted to nearly $10 billion. 

In Rhode Island, Congressman David Cicilline has reportedly asked for over $68 million in earmarks; meanwhile, Congressman Jim Langevin has put in for just shy of $8 million. 

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The list was compiled from member websites where they were required to post their appropriation and infrastructure earmarks — and posted to “OpenTheBooks.com.”

Latest in Earmark Battle

Back in 2011, the GOP-controlled U.S. House of Representatives put in a ban on earmarks -- which Cicilline decried. 

In February, House Democrats officially resurrected earmarks, ending the decade-long prohibition on the Congressionally-directed spending; in March, the House Republican Conference voted to bring them back as well. 

In the Senate, the GOP is split on requesting earmarks, as Politico reported this week. 

What They’re Asking For

The bulk of Cicilline’s requests are for roadworks projects through the RI Department of Transportation — over $16 million for East Main Road projects in Middletown; over $5 million each for Wampanoag Trail and Veteran’s Memorial Parkway, and more. 

Cicilline also requested $2.3 million for the Veterans Memorial Park pool renovation in Pawtucket, $2 million for the Ralph J. Holden Señor and Community Construction Project in Central Falls, and $295,000 for the East Smithfield Neighborhood Center, along with other projects. 

Among his requests, Langevin requested $1.1 million for a soccer complex in Johnston; $775,000 for the Conimicut Shoals Lighthouse in Warwick, and $500,000 for a playground in Providence.  

CICILLINE'S REQUESTS

LANGEVIN'S REQUESTS