If you thought lawmakers had learned anything about graft, earmarks, and spending excess, think again. This report tells us what is going on:

A $630 billion spending bill nearing final approval in Congress includes $6.6 billion for thousands of lawmakers’ pet projects, including $51.5 million requested by Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden when both presidential candidates have sworn off seeking any money. Taxpayers for Common Sense analyzed the 2,321 special-interest items called “earmarks” in the spending bill. . . . Biden, a senator from Delaware, requested 18 earmarks, according to the bill’s language. All of them also were requested by Delaware’s other senator, Democrat Tom Carper or its lone congressman, Republican Rep. Mike Castle, or both.Among other items, Biden and four others were able to secure $3.2 million for second-generation cold-weather clothing for the military, the bill shows.Biden spokesman David Wade did not respond to messages seeking comment Thursday.

Apparently, not even a presidential election, a financial meltdown, and the investigation of multiple lawmakers is enough to wean these people — and Biden specifically — off earmarks. There are it seems no limits and no shame.