The latest edition of the Congressional Pig Book, published by Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW), has revealed a significant increase in earmark spending by U.S. lawmakers. This year’s report highlights $26.1 billion in pork-barrel projects for fiscal year 2024, marking a substantial rise from the previous year​​. Earmarks, often referred to as "pork," are funds allocated by Congress for specific projects, typically benefiting a legislator's local constituency. Happening now: 2024 Pig Book Press Conference! pic.twitter.com/rGXS1l3SNh — Citizens Against Government Waste (@GovWaste) June 12, 2024 This practice has been criticized for fostering wasteful spending and for being a tool for political favoritism. The report notes that the number of earmarks has surged by 43.9% compared to the previous fiscal year, reflecting a broader trend of increasing earmark allocations​. The 2024 Pig Book emphasizes that a small group of powerful legislators on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees are responsible for a disproportionate share of these earmarks. The 2024 Congressional Pig Book exposes 8,222 earmarks costing $22.7 billion. Earmarks are the most costly, corrupt, and inequitable practice in the history of Congress.https://t.co/fpDlLhjoqR — Citizens Against Government Waste (@GovWaste) June 12, 2024 For instance, Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-Maine) tops the list with 231 earmarks totaling $575.6 million. Other top recipients include Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Angus King (I-Maine), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who collectively received over $2.3 billion in earmarks​. This year's Pig Book also underscores the lack of transparency in the earmark process. More than one-third of the earmark spending, amounting to $8.2 billion, was approved without any attribution, meaning no specific lawmakers were named as sponsors of these projects. This opaque practice complicates efforts to hold legislators accountable for their spending decisions​. Critics argue that earmarks contribute to government waste and corruption, recalling past scandals that led to a moratorium on earmarks from 2011 to 2021. Despite the moratorium, earmark spending has made a robust comeback, with the current total being the largest since fiscal year 2010​. CAGW President Tom Schatz emphasized that the continued growth in earmark spending highlights the need for a permanent ban to prevent the recurrence of wasteful and corrupt practices in Congress. The report serves as a call to action for fiscal responsibility and transparency in government spending​. The post Congressional Pig Book Exposes Billions in Pork Spending appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

As President Joe Biden gears up for his 2024 re-election campaign, questions loom large over the impact of Vice President Kamala Harris on his prospects. Concerns are mounting within the Democratic Party regarding Harris' influence and public perception as Biden’s running mate. Critics argue that Harris has not established herself as a strong vice president, with low approval ratings and frequent public missteps that undermine her credibility. Some pundits, like those at The Week, have labeled her as "one of the least consequential vice presidents in modern history," pointing to her incoherent responses and inappropriate laughter during serious discussions. This reputation could be detrimental in a high-stakes election. Joe will be replaced soon. President Harris. Lol https://t.co/mT72XGVL1o — Poopdog (@Poopdog24) June 11, 2024 However, replacing Harris could ignite a political firestorm, with accusations of gender and ethnic bias potentially dividing the Democratic base. Despite these risks, some believe that a change might be necessary to bolster Biden's chances. The concern is that Harris' perceived weaknesses might be more damaging than the controversy of replacing her. Historically, attacks on vice presidential candidates have not significantly swayed elections. Yet, the unique dynamics of this election, with Biden’s age being a constant point of contention, might make Harris a more significant factor. Politico reports that Republicans are likely to continue targeting Harris, framing her as a weaker alternative to Biden. This strategy hinges on the notion that Biden, at 81, might not complete a second term, thereby elevating Harris to the presidency. Fucking pundit says “voters may have trepidation” that Biden may not make it through his second term, so they’d have a problem with Kamala Harris being president because racism. So Katy Tur floats the idea of Biden being replaced as candidate. She is VILE. pic.twitter.com/nP8XXHK1S9 — Scary Larry (@aintscarylarry) June 1, 2024 Within the Democratic ranks, there is palpable anxiety. Major donors and party leaders have expressed concerns about the current trajectory of the Biden-Harris ticket. Fundraising efforts, although substantial, have not quelled these fears. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has urged supporters to rally behind the ticket with greater urgency, emphasizing the critical stakes of the upcoming election. Supporters of Harris argue that her tenure has been more productive than critics acknowledge. She has played a key role in international diplomacy, addressing migration issues, and pushing for significant domestic policies like voting rights and child tax credits. Her defenders assert that Harris’ role has been undervalued and that she possesses the necessary qualities to step up if needed. Despite these efforts, Biden’s campaign faces an uphill battle. A significant portion of the Democratic base remains unconvinced of Harris’ ability to lead, should the need arise. Political strategists within the party are divided on the best course of action, with some advocating for a more robust defense of Harris' record and capabilities. As the 2024 election approaches, the Biden campaign must navigate these internal conflicts while fending off Republican attacks. The outcome may hinge on their ability to present a united front and effectively communicate the strengths of their leadership team to the American public. The question remains whether Harris will be a liability or an asset in the fight to retain the White House. The post Harris’ Impact on Biden’s 2024 Chances Under Scrutiny appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

If you ever visit Palo Alto in California, you may just run into a celebrity. But you’ll have to go to an unexpected location — Barron Park Donkeys. Here, you’ll find Perry. You may not recognize him, but you’ve most certainly seen him before… just not in the way you think. Perry was used as inspiration for the character of Donkey in the DreamWorks film Shrek. To ensure that the character looked and moved realistically, they wanted to use a real donkey as a model. This is where Perry comes in. Earning only $75, his likeness has been cemented in film, guaranteed to be remembered for generations. He may not get the credit he deserves, but Perry is more than happy with his life in California. He and his fellow donkey friends, April and Buddy, are frequently visited by locals. In fact, visiting these adorable animals has been a local tradition long before Shrek was even an idea. YouTube “We have grandparents who remember playing with the donkeys as little kids [who are] bringing their grandchildren now, so this is not new,” Mike Holland, a volunteer handler says. “This is going back at least 70 years, 75 years, so it’s a neighborhood tradition.” But in order to keep this neighborhood tradition alive, Perry and his friends need help. Now that Perry is getting into his 30s, his medical bills continue to increase. YouTube “They’re getting older, they’ve got what the vet refers to as old man problems,” Mike explains. “The increasing medical demands — it’s pushing up to $25,000 for the three of them, and $15k for the additional unexpected medical demands that they’ve all three of them have had. We’re at a critical junction.” Thankfully, city officials recognize the worth in keeping this animal park going. To ensure they’re able to take care of the donkeys, they’re offering to match community donations of up to $10,000. So far, they’ve matched $4,000! YouTube According to Mayor Greer Stone, the decision to help was made because they believe it “is a small investment with a big return realized in the form of smiles on children’s faces, outdoor education opportunities, and increased wellbeing for our entire community.” Perry, the Donkey Who Inspired the Iconic Character in Shrek, Feels Love From His Community YouTube Between the fantastic merchandise and compost they offer, these donkeys are well on their way to getting the funds they need. In fact, you can even donate online. That said, they only have until June 23 to reach the city’s match offer! In any case, Mike is hopeful that they’ll be okay. “I can’t imagine this not happening. I’m not the first person to volunteer here and, I certainly won’t be the last,” Mike says. “It’s a lot of fun and we have dozens of people come visit here every day. It’s a real tradition — funny neighborhood tradition that we’re keeping going.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Community Comes Together For Elderly Donkey Who Inspired Beloved “Shrek” Character appeared first on InspireMore.

'Does not establish standing to sue'

President Joe Biden shared a clip of former President Donald Trump on his campaign’s social media account that appears to show Trump claiming not to care about his voters. Trump: I don’t care about you. I just want your vote pic.twitter.com/kfA88jMekj — Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) June 9, 2024 Verdict: Misleading The claim is inaccurate. Trump was making […]

'Misguided prosecution'

'Frankly, I’m just saying it’s a set up'

EXCLUSIVE: Inside Trump's Meeting With House Republicans -- Live Updates

'We're gonna lose Hispanic males'

'Journalism is not a crime'