From the NRCC, via Steve at NH GOP:
Squashed Debate on 54 Secret Earmarks, Added Half a Trillion Dollars in Increased Spending

Washington- Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) and the Democrat leaders of the so-called, self-proclaimed ?most open Congress in history,? have closed the door on any possibility for amendments or debate on a series of appropriations bills. As a result, 54 never before seen earmarks were stealthily placed into various appropriations bills at the expense of important funding for our troops, our veterans and hard working Americans. These secret earmarks that Shea-Porter and the Democrats allowed into the bills never saw the light of a Congressional hearing nor were allowed to be debated on the House floor.
.

To make matters worse, the Democrats have renewed efforts to eliminate the only tool available to prevent earmarks like these from being slipped into bills in the dead of the night.
.

Yesterday?s Roll Call editorial shines light on this dark issue:

?Despite promises to manage the House on a more open basis than Republicans did during their 12-year rule, Democrats have been every bit as authoritarian ? prohibiting any floor amendments, for instance, at more than double the rate of the previous Congress.??Rather than limit one of the minority?s few rights to affect legislation, we suggest that Democrats expand those rights by allowing Republicans to offer amendments on the floor. ?more open and democratic debate also might produce better policy and reduce partisan rancor.? (Roll Call, 11/14/07)