A March 31 article entitled Transparency Takes a Hit by Robert Bluey of Heritage supports an idea we've offered below. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) produced thorough reports on earmarks in appropriations acts in FYs 94, 96, 98, 2000, 02, 04, 05, and 06, calculating the number and dollar value of earmarks originating both from the Executive Branch and from Congress. But last month, CRS suddenly decided to desist with these reports, citing reasons that defy comprehension. Per Bluey: CRS has said its research is no longer needed because the Office of Management and Budget will track earmarks -- a true statement, except for the fact that its information is nowhere near as comprehensive. [OMB's database omits Executive Branch-generated earmarks.] CRS also cites new rules adopted by Congress to publicly disclose earmarks. However, the House rule applies only to 2008 spending bills, not previous ones, and the Senate's rule is still bottled up as part of the Democrats' stalled ethics reform bill. Have a look at the most recent of these CRS reports. It suggests that a product combining CRS' scope and methodology and the OMB website's specificity, citations, and public accessibility would be of greatest value to the government and the general public.