OMBW Background Brief Today, OMB Watch released a timely background brief on earmarks and the federal earmarking process -- an issue hotly debated in the print and electronic media and on the House and Senate floor over the last several weeks. The brief clarifies the definition of an earmark, demystifies the process by which earmarking occurs, and shows why an outright ban on earmarks in appropriations bills won't reduce federal spending. The skinny:

OMB Watch Statement OMB Watch supports Sen. Voinovich's amendment (# 4238). It would curb the recent over-reliance on supplemental spending legislation. Spending under any supplemental is entirely outside the regular order of the budget process and not included in formal deficit and debt projections, raising issues of fiscal transparency and accountability. This is an opportune moment to take stock of the evolving nature and policy implications of the recent over-reliance on supplemental appropriations bills and to consider some specific reforms.

Budget Resolution -- Votes on Amendments and Substitutes:

• Senate: Voting is expected all day -- and night -- on amendments, concluding with a rapid-fire vote-a-rama. As of last night, these were the pending amendments.
• House: Voting is also expected, but on a smaller number of amendments and the following substitutes offered by the GOP, the Progressive Caucus, and the Congressional Black Caucus.

Final votes in each chamber on their respective budget resolutions are expected on Friday

In case it escaped your attention in perusing Craig's blog below, John McMaverick, the presumptive GOP nominee for president, lets slip a surprising sentiment: ... the facts are that I never showed any bias in any way against anybody — except for the taxpayer. -- Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) And, for bipartisan measure: ... the facts are that I never showed any bias in any way against anybody — except for the taxpayer. .. I hope that senators of good will on both sides of the aisle will step forward and say, 'We have an obligation to our clients, um, to our constituents" [emph. added].