It’s a serious battle and one that could scuttle the chances of passing appropriations bills ahead of the Sept. 30 government funding deadline.
Republican responsibility for the huge federal deficit has become a hot political issue after President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is projected to add $3.4 trillion to the debt over the next decade, into law.
Conservatives are deeply disappointed that Trump’s bill did not make deeper cuts to federal spending, and they want to make a statement with significant reductions in the annual appropriations bills for fiscal 2026.
Adding to the frustrations of fiscal hawks, those bills are already loaded with earmarks directing the Trump administration how to spend funds.
Conservatives view the return of earmarks as a return to the days of pork-barrel spending and a bad look for Republicans when the party is taking fire from Democrats for exploding future deficits.
Senate Republicans voted for a “permanent ban” on earmarks in May 2019, when the proposal passed by a 28-12 vote after a heated debate behind closed doors.
The Hill’s Alexander Bolton has more here.
