OMB Director Portman sent a memo to Heads of Departments and Agencies today. He is directing them to track earmarks in the FY08 spending bills as they move through the legislative process – Committee Reports, floor action, conference. They are supposed to list the earmarks, the dollar amount and the numbers within 7 days Congressional action on the bills. The memo indicates the prepared listings “may be made available to the public.” Clearly the public has a right to know clearly and quickly where politicians are spending their tax dollars. They should be made public as soon as they are available, no “ifs” “ands” or “buts.”

This is good move by OMB to keep the pressure on for full and open disclosure for earmarks. We’re going to have to shine a light in all the dark corners to ferret out all the earmarks and this will help taxpayers know how their money is being spent. Also, the Congressional and Administration definitions of earmarks are slightly different so these disclosures should keep both of them on their toes.

We are hoping that we are seeing the beginning of one-upmanship and challenge on earmark disclosure between the Administration and Congress. If that’s the case then taxpayers are the real winners.