Katie Couric's Notebook: Earmarks

Swine flu wasn't as bad as expected this winter, but an aliment that really is pork-related has been plaguing Washington for years.

Congress has awarded no-bid contracts, also known as earmarks, for everything from an indoor rainforest in Iowa...to the "Charles Rangel Center" proposed by Rangel himself... to a study of migratory loons.

This year alone, Congress secured nearly 10,000 earmarks worth $15.9 billion dollars, according to the group Taxpayers for Common Sense.

In some cases, those went to companies that had donated to members. Democratic leaders in the House took a major step last week, banning earmarks for private companies. House Republicans, not to be outdone, suggested expanding the ban to all earmarks.

There's obviously some political posturing here, but Washington is finally getting the message. Voters are tired of seeing their hard-earned tax dollars spent on pet projects.

Congressional swine flu isn't fatal - but we do desperately need a cure.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.