The Senate has rejected a Republican bid to ban earmarks, but the issue of lawmakers promoting so-called "pet projects" is not over yet.

Tuesday's sizeable 39-56 vote rejected the GOP's plan to keep the often expensive and unnecessary earmarks out of spending bills. 

Earmarks are projects  lawmakers attach to legislation in order to get funding for their home state.  Republicans introduced the ban in response to pressure from Tea Party activists.

Although the bid was rejected this time around, anti-earmark plans will be addressed again in January when Congress returns -- and Republicans take control of the House.

Earlier this month, Republicans passed a party resolution declaring they would give up earmarks.

Democrats argue that earmarks are a legitimate way to direct taxpayer money to their constituents.