Earmarks, taxpayer dollars that members of congress designate for specific projects, were banned in 2011. Some argued that congress should have the power to direct money to their districts instead of ceding such decisions to the executive branch. But earmark projects were so often derided as wasteful "pork," that banning them was considered a political no-brainer.
Despite the ban, Sen. Jeff Flake still wants to use earmarks as a punching bag. He's calling attention to the fact that projects that previously received earmarked funds are still around and still receive money.
To promote legislation designed to cut off those funds, he's produced a video spoofing the upcoming "Jurassic Park" sequel, called "Jurassic Pork."
Flake's video is a far more low-budget affair than Spielberg's. It begins with Speaker John Boehner and Sen. Mitch McConnell announcing the 2011 ban. But as text declares that, "Old earmarks have survived," we see a pig from behind tromping through the woods.
Interspersed with our friendly pig, we're shown examples of earmarked projects still receiving funds. "Grape Genetics Research" once backed by then-Sen. Hillary Clinton, who we see partaking in some wine.
We see the demolition of Tiger Stadium in Detroit, which had won a 2009 earmark intending to save it, but the demolition proceeded and the money is being used for other urban development.
And we also saw how the American Ballet Theatre won an earmark thanks to Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who then got to play a small part in one of its performances.
The video was released at the same time Sen. Flake delivered a Senate floor speech in front of a "Jurassic Pork" poster. The one-two punch helped grab media attention. Most floor speeches go ignored by the press, but in addition to a healthy amount of print coverage, Flake was interviewed by Fox News afterwards, which also showed clips of his video.
Members of Congress looking to drum up interest in their legislative activity should take heed. "Jurassic Pork" may be hokey, but give the media a fun video to play with, and they'll actually report on your work.
Despite the ban, Sen. Jeff Flake still wants to use earmarks as a punching bag. He's calling attention to the fact that projects that previously received earmarked funds are still around and still receive money.
To promote legislation designed to cut off those funds, he's produced a video spoofing the upcoming "Jurassic Park" sequel, called "Jurassic Pork."
Flake's video is a far more low-budget affair than Spielberg's. It begins with Speaker John Boehner and Sen. Mitch McConnell announcing the 2011 ban. But as text declares that, "Old earmarks have survived," we see a pig from behind tromping through the woods.
Interspersed with our friendly pig, we're shown examples of earmarked projects still receiving funds. "Grape Genetics Research" once backed by then-Sen. Hillary Clinton, who we see partaking in some wine.
We see the demolition of Tiger Stadium in Detroit, which had won a 2009 earmark intending to save it, but the demolition proceeded and the money is being used for other urban development.
And we also saw how the American Ballet Theatre won an earmark thanks to Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who then got to play a small part in one of its performances.
The video was released at the same time Sen. Flake delivered a Senate floor speech in front of a "Jurassic Pork" poster. The one-two punch helped grab media attention. Most floor speeches go ignored by the press, but in addition to a healthy amount of print coverage, Flake was interviewed by Fox News afterwards, which also showed clips of his video.
Members of Congress looking to drum up interest in their legislative activity should take heed. "Jurassic Pork" may be hokey, but give the media a fun video to play with, and they'll actually report on your work.