The majority leadership in the House had attempted to hide budget earmarks until the very last minute. A sustained and unified chorus of disapproval caused a reversal of policy and a return to the newly passed rules that all earmarks will be open and subject to challenge by any member. This is a good first step, but as I have said before, earmarks are symptom of a much larger problem. Democrats and Republicans of like mind can work hard to get results on that issue as well.

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