Despite a ban on congressional pork-barrel projects imposed in 2011, the House and Senate snuck in 282 “earmarks” costing taxpayers $15.3 billion in last year’s spending bills, according to a watchdog group.

It was the largest amount for pet projects since the moratorium was imposed, said Citizens Against Government Waste in its latest Pig Book. It was also a 21.6% increase over 2017.

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