Referring to the benefits of openness in government, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once said, "Sunlight is the best disinfectant."

He was right.

Since I was first elected to Congress in 1982, I have gone beyond what the law required when it comes to disclosing my financial records, my tax returns and the projects I have supported for federal funding.

Recently, Congressionally directed spending for projects - also known as earmarks - has come under scrutiny. Critics say the secrecy of the earmarking process can invite backroom deals and unethical - or even corrupt - behavior. In some well-publicized cases, they are clearly right.

That's why I am releasing this list of spending requests again this year.

This list is different from some you may have seen - we have tried to make it as complete as possible. We have included all requests for project funding I made to the Appropriations Committee - regardless of whether it was $100,000 for a rural hospital in Illinois or millions of dollars for additional aircraft at Scott Air Force Base.

As the Chair of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, a member of the Senate Leadership and the most senior person from our state on either Appropriations Committee, my office is at the center of our state's effort to make sure we receive our fair share of funds for projects large and small. I welcome this challenge and this responsibility.