The spending bill approved by Congress at the end of 2007 contained more than 11,000 earmarks for pet projects including $100,000 for signage in Los Angeles' fashion district and $250,000 for a wine and culinary center in Washington. Melissa is committed to putting the brakes on earmarks for pet projects like these. Too many members of Congress have accepted campaign contributions from politically well-connected individuals and companies after delivering your tax dollars to them through this abusive process. There must be more openness and transparency in the process. Melissa is committed to cutting wasteful spending and making the appropriations process public. Melissa has also pledged to support a moratorium on earmarks.