Senator Smith’s website reports that she is now accepting applications for Congressionally-Directed Spending, previously known as earmarks…

The Senate Appropriations Committee announced the return of Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), previously known as Earmarks, in the Fiscal Year 2023 federal appropriations process. Any request for support must be submitted via electronic application by 5:00 p.m. C.T., Friday, April 15, 2022. Any CDS request must comply with Senate Rule XLIV.

Congressionally Directed Spending is capped at one percent of all discretionary spending. For-profit entities are not eligible for Congressionally Directed Spending. A specific list of accounts that will be open for CDS requests can be found here. Only these accounts are available for CDS requests.

The link to the Congressionally Directed Spending request application can be found here. 

And here’s a helpful list of Eligible Accounts and Requirements. Some are clearly aimed at broadband projects and some could creatively fit.