House Democrats won't restore 'earmarks'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats controlling the House have announced that they won't restore the much-criticized practice of "earmarking" federal funds for back-home projects that Republicans banned eight years ago.

House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey — who wants to restore the practice — announced the decision in a letter to her colleagues, saying there isn't a "bipartisan, bicameral agreement" to bring earmarks back.

Earmarks used to include grants for community development projects, roads, university grants, and help for home-district military contractors, among others.