In these tough economic times, it’s hard to believe that our government allowed some frivolous spending under the leadership of George W. Bush. Hopefully Barack Obama can go through these earmark spending fuck ups and nix their funding.

10. $150,000 on Rat Island

The rats had taken over the Aleutian Islands in Alaska and it was so bad, that they had to call on the help of the senate to get some funding. These rats originate from Norway, but came to the island due to a Japanese shipwreck in 1780. The rats have since multiplied and have killed a lot of the vegetation, there is undoubtedly a problem there, but did it really require federal spending? The taxpayers of Alaska could surely afford $150,000 on their own right?

9. $460,752 To Make Better Beer

In the Northwest states of Oregon and Washington, they really take their beer making seriously! So much in fact that two representatives and four senators from the states called upon congress to get over $400 thousand to make hops. The legislators argued that hops were a major boost on the local state economies, so they jointly begged the feds for the money to go to the Northwest Hops Research program, which identifies “critical issues” in the beer making industry.

8. $583,000 for the Montana WTC

When one thinks of global trade, of course the first thing they think of is the State of Montana. So it made sense to Republican Denny Rehber to secure over a half a million dollars for the state’s world trade exports. “The Montana World Trade Center has been a valuable resource for local businesses trying to sell their goods internationally,” Rehberg said in a press release. “These funds will help ensure the Trade Center can continue to hold trade missions as well as allow them to create new programs to expand their ability to assist Montana businesses.” Except what he forgot to mention to the feds is that Montana as only a third the foreign exports of even the tiny state of Delaware.

7. $150,000 for the National Mule & Packers Museum

Since the west was not settled by man alone, California Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon demanded that there should be a museum honoring all of the hardworking mules and pack animals that assisted in the feat. They could go 30 miles a day where wagon trains could only go about five. They are an integral part of the development of this country,” McKeon actually said on the House floor. According to the museum’s website, it is located in Bishop, California and will explore the role of mules aiding the early settlers. Yet, the earmark in a Housing and Urban Development bill was quickly deemed a “gross example of unnecessary spending.” Thank you Congressman McKeon, I’m sure the mules really appreciate you having their backs.

6. $98,000 for a Walking Tour of Boydton, Virginia

The tiny town of Boydton, Virginia is only about 1 square mile in size, yet the federal government spent more than $200 per resident in order to develop a walking tour for the town. What do you get to see for your money? A tavern from 1790, a Greek Revival Courthouse, and “one of the only oval, mile-long race tracks of the day.” Seriously?? This ridiculous expenditure was secured from congress by Republican Rep. Virgil Goode who also was quoted last year as saying: “federal budget spending is too much overall and Congress members should set an example by not spending too much.” Practice what you preach, buddy.

Click here to see part two of our countdown.