Sen. McCaskill proposes earmark ban

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill is proposing legislation aimed at congressional earmarks.

McCaskill, a Democrat from Missouri, and Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican from Pennsylvania, on Wednesday introduced legislation that would ban congressionally directed spending items and limit tax or tariff benefits.

McCaskill said the legislation is needed because some members of Congress try to work around existing restrictions. Toomey said earmarks have led to overspending and that the country cannot afford them.

Last year, the Senate rejected a ban on funding for home-state projects that are not included in the budget proposal submitted the president submits every year to Congress.