"Watchdogs contacted by The Hill on Tuesday said that so-called 'lettermarking' and 'phonemarking' could eclipse earmarking as the top concern of groups that monitor government spending.
House and Senate Republicans have adopted a voluntary moratorium on earmarks for the next Congress, which could result in earmark-free appropriations bills next year. Senate Democrats have not banned the practice, but the new GOP majority in the House will vigorously oppose earmark-filled spending bills crafted by the upper chamber.
But spending watchdogs say the earmark moratorium won't stop lawmakers from trying to direct funding to their districts. Lawmakers may use the power of their office to pressure federal agencies to steer existing funding to their preferred pet projects by lobbying officials with phone calls and letters."
Watchdogs fear rise of backdoor earmarking in the next Congress
The Hill's On The Money:
