Earmarks have been the bane of Congress for the past several years.  That's because abuse of the earmarks process had landed several members of Congress in ethics trouble -- and at least one former member, Randy "Duke" Cunningham, in jail.

There has been enormous pressure on Congress to publicize earmarks and their sponsors.  The process has been mostly anonymous. The Chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee claims that is just what he's going to do:

A top House Democrat delivered a promise — and a threat — on Monday about the disclosure of the pet projects known as earmarks.

Under pressure from Republicans, the Democrat, Representative David R. Obey of Wisconsin, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said that this year all earmarks and their sponsors would be listed in The Congressional Record a month before they come up for final approval.

Lawmakers and the public can raise questions, sponsors can defend their projects, and the Appropriations Committee will make final decisions.

Mr. Obey warned that he would bar earmarks completely if Republicans attacked individual projects to score political points.

“If they think they can demagogue the earmarks process all year long and expect Democrats to carry the burden of passing earmarks, they’re wrong,” he said. “Then there will be no earmarks for anybody.”

The threat underscores Mr. Obey’s determination to preserve the authority of his committee to deliver or withhold earmarks, federal money for bridges, clinics or military contractors that helps endear lawmakers to constituents.