PORKBUSTERS UPDATE: New ethics reform law hasn’t ended earmark abuses:

Such is the mixed legacy of ethics reform passed by the new Democratic majority that took control of Congress in January on a wave of voter revulsion about corruption. The Democrats banned an assortment of sleazy practices, such as the gifts lobbyists used to shower on Congress. They also ordered lobbyists to report more fully on contacts and contributions. But they left plenty of wiggle room and, not surprisingly, there’s plenty of wiggling going on. . . .

One of Congress’ seamiest practices is earmarking, when lawmakers slip special projects into bills to direct your tax dollars to politically favored recipients. The Senate promised to shine a bright light on this practice. But in some cases, the reform works more like a low-watt bulb. For example, the $5.2 billion in earmarks tucked into the Senate’s defense spending bill are still difficult to decipher, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense, a budget watchdog group.

Then there’s the whole private-jet thing. Follow the link for more.