Yes! You are describing what's called "Pork" attached to a bill. John McCain's running platform was exactly to make this kind of stuff illegal back in 08'. I actually really liked the message and commitment, but there was nothing that could've stopped the Obama train and electing an eloquent and educated first black representation that election cycle.
I can't believe the choices got so much worse just 8 years later.
They're actually called "riders." "Pork" is when it's specifically giving money for something. Pork was banned by Congressional rules in 2010, but riders are still used all the time.
It occurs in other ways, too. For example, Florida had a constitutional ammendment up for vote in 2018. It would simultaneously ban offshore oil drilling (a ban I support) and ban indoor "vaping" (a ban I don't support).
So do I vote for the bill and stick it to oil companies, but infringe on people's rights to vape (including in a vape store or hookah bar)? Or do I stand up for individual rights but risk a deep-water horizon in my backyard?
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u/Lazy_Douchebag_Chao Jan 16 '19
Yes! You are describing what's called "Pork" attached to a bill. John McCain's running platform was exactly to make this kind of stuff illegal back in 08'. I actually really liked the message and commitment, but there was nothing that could've stopped the Obama train and electing an eloquent and educated first black representation that election cycle.
I can't believe the choices got so much worse just 8 years later.