Ideally, projects would compete for federal funding based on the ability of backers to demonstrate that their projects have genuine need and value. Earmarks undermine this by allowing powerful members of Congress to fast-track projects that would benefit their district or state. In these tough times, is Congress continuing to earmark as it has in years past?

A new report answers that question by offering good news and bad news. The good news is that congressional earmarks in this fiscal year have dropped 9% from the previous fiscal year.

The bad news? Make no mistake about it: earmarking is alive and well in Washington. A total of 9,413 earmarks were included in the 2010 fiscal year budget.

President Obama has urged Congress to improve transparency by posting all earmark requests on an easy-to-search website. It's a nice idea, but it remains to be seen if this idea goes anywhere.