Why is "pork barrel" spending important?

Pork barrel
spending is spending that is intended for specific projects that benefit donor or constituent
groups. Pork barrel spending can make legislation easier to pass because it allows for targeted
incentives towards Congressional members that might otherwise be antagonistic towards
legislation. Unfortunately, this kind of targeted benefit generally proliferates, as it gives
even friendly legislators an incentive to take an opposing stance in a bid to obtain some pork
barrel spending. This can lead to significant increases in spending and can blow holes in the
budget.

A second important issue with pork barrel spending is that it can
create inefficient funding streams. This is most visible in military spending, where certain
projects that are unnecessary can continue because of the benefit they bring to specific groups.
Certain pieces of military technology, such as Abrams tanks, continue to be purchased through
appropriations legislation because so many different Congressional districts benefit from these
purchases. The military doesn't need these additional tanks, though, so the continuing purchases
force the military to spend money on something it doesn't need, which prevents funding from
going to other projects which may be more useful. It also increases overall spending without
providing a noticeable benefit.