What are congressional earmarks?

Question

What are congressional earmarks?

Answer 1

Earmarks are what is commonly refered to as Pork.  When congress approves a budget bill for whatever reason, military appropriations let's say.  There will be funding for pay, number of personel, how much is set aside for R & D, benefits, etc.  Then someone will attach an Earmark, that is not exactly related to the bill, such as the suspension bridge in Alaska that can only be used 3 weeks out of the year, but will provide jobs in a certain congressional district.   Not the greatest explanation, sorry.