The U.S. national debt recently surpassed $37 trillion for the first time, as the federal government continues to accumulate debt at a record-setting pace. That includes a $1.9 trillion deficit for fiscal 2025, per Congressional Budget Office projections.

So, it might seem odd that some self-proclaimed fiscal conservatives are pushing to include earmarks, specific spending items directed by members of Congress, into an appropriations bill that must be enacted by the end of September to keep the federal government open. It’s just the sort of practice Republicans have long hammered Democrats over as fiscally irresponsible when Team Blue has held majorities in the House and Senate.