Essay on House: United States Congress and Pork Barrel Spending

Submitted By alexalarsen1

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1. Pork-Barrel Spending: Members of congress pay attention to constituency opinions when choosing positions on legislation, and they work hard to get their share of federal spending projects. Such projects are often derided as pork (or pork barrel spending) by outsiders but are embraced by those who live in the state or district that gets a federally funded project, such as a new hospital, research center or highway. (pg 348)
2. Campaign Fundraising (Incumbents vs. challengers): Rarely do incumbents say they had trouble raising enough money to conduct an effective campaign, whereas challengers usually complain that their fundraising fell far short of their needs. In the most recent election cycle, house incumbents raised on average about $1.5 million in campaign funds, compared to less than half a million dollars for their challengers. (pg 349)
3. Pitfalls of Incumbency: Incumbency is not without its risks. Senate and House incumbents can fall victim to disruptive issues, personal misconduct, turnout swings, strong challengers, and campaign money. (pg 353)
4. Speaker of the House: Elected by the house membership, by default a member of the majority party, and said to be the second-most-powerful official in Washington, after the president. Has certain formal powers; including the right to speak first during House debate on legislation and the power to recognize members. Can also influence legislation. (pg360)
5. ???
6. Partisanship within Congress:
• Pro (advantages):

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