Don't Touch My Pork

Word on Capitol Hill is that Rep Ernest Istook (R-OK) lost his Appropriations Subcommittee chirmanship because he tried to kill 21 pork barrel projects in GOP districts. He's the latest in the line of independent Chairmen who've crossed Republican leadership and been punished for it. The pork projects Rep Istook took out of the bill were a trade. The lawmakers got their pet projects added after they agreed to back Amtrak funding. (The Hill)