President Barack Obama signed into law a Continuing Resolution which will keep the federal government operating until October 31. This will give Congress more time to finalize action on the various appropriation bills which fund the federal government. According to congressional sources, Members of Congress are debating the way in which earmarks are directed to private companies. Some members want earmarks targeted to private companies to be subject to competitive bidding.“Earmarks” are provisions placed by Members of Congress in appropriation bills which direct federal funds to a specific project or entity within that member’s district or state. The earmark can be placed in a House or Senate appropriations bill or in both. Action on the appropriation bills is expected to be completed before...