To win political support
The purpose of approving pork barrel spending is to allocate government funds for specific projects or initiatives that benefit a particular constituency or interest group, often with the intention of gaining political support or favor. This type of spending can help address local needs, stimulate economic development, and create jobs in specific areas. However, it is often criticized for promoting wasteful spending and prioritizing local interests over broader national needs. Ultimately, it serves as a tool for legislators to demonstrate their commitment to their constituents.
In today's dollars (2010) it was about $50.00 per barrel. In 1978 it was about $14.95 per barrel.
Extremely expensive at that time: $37.42 per barrel. (equivalent to about $99.00 per barrel in 2010dollars)
1 barrel of oil = 158.987295 liters 1 barrel of oil = 42 US gallons
About $65.27 a barrel.
So they can get money for something in their district.
Politicians only approved the pork barrel spending to gain political support. They didn't approve it because they are for it, they did it so they can win.
It helps politicians win support from their constituents.
Politicians might use pork barrel spending to win support from their constituents.
Politicians might use pork barrel spending to win support from their constituents.
It helps politicians win support from their constituents
Politicians might use pork barrel spending to win support from their constituents.
It helps politicians win support from their constituents
Politicians might use pork barrel spending to win support from their constituents.
Pork barrel spending is spending money on projects in the constituency of a Congressman by the Government in the hope of gaining or keeping his support. Pork barrel spending is very often not about the question whether this spending (or keeping on spending) is really necessary or efficient; or if the Congressman's State or District is really the best place for it. It of course does directly benefit the constituency of the Congressman involved. Is it 'fair'? It has been part of American politics from almost the start of the USA, and countless regions over the decades have profited from it. But from a totally unbiased point of view it isn't, since a pork-barrel decision is only partly based - and sometimes hardly at all - on what is best or most cost-efficient for the country at large.
The funding of politicians in the United States is nicknamed the "pork barrel" because politicians are paid way too much for doing so little. Once elected many politicians are "set for life".
Pork barrel projects