Christmas tree bill

Definition

Legislation adorned with so many amendments, earmarks, and special provisions that it resembles a decorated holiday tree, with each member of Congress hanging their pet project on it. A must-pass bill that becomes a legislative grab bag because everyone knows it's going through regardless.

Example Usage

The defense authorization bill became a Christmas tree bill, with everything from rural broadband funding to a study on invasive carp species attached.

Origin

Congressional slang comparing heavily amended bills to decorated Christmas trees

Fun Fact

The term became especially popular during the earmark-heavy years of the 2000s, when appropriations bills routinely carried thousands of add-ons

Source: Congressional legislative process slang

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