Fifteen Republicans joined with most Democrats to reject the earmark moratorium by a 68-29 vote.

It's a far different story in the House, where Republicans imposed an earmark ban on party members last week, in a bid to demonstrate they are the party of reform.

Democrats controlling the House also declared earmarks can no longer go to for-profit companies.

Defenders of earmarks say it's a legitimate way for lawmakers to exercise Congress' power of the purse.

Opponents say they're often wasteful and are a way to win votes for big-spending legislation.