Senate Rejects GOP Attempt to Ban Earmarks

From The Wall Street Journal:

The Senate voted Tuesday to reject a Republican attempt to ban earmarks, in a vote that saw more than a half a dozen Republicans break with their party's self-imposed ban on the practice.

On the other side of the aisle, seven Democrats—primarily relative newcomers to the Senate—voted to oppose earmarks, defying party leaders who continue to support congressional directed spending.

Earlier this month, Republicans agreed to a voluntary ban on the practice, joining House Republicans who also agreed to a ban.

President Barack Obama has similarly endorsed a ban.

The practice has come increasingly under criticism because of allegations of corruption and abuse related to earmark requests.