With all the drama in the Senate over earmark disclosure, one major question remains — what will the Reid/DeMint compromise have to say about keeping the earmarks reports online?

A major flaw in Pelosi’s Rule requiring all earmarks to be identified by sponsor and purpose is that this information is not required to be online. Only staffers and a few overworked local DC reporters can even plausibly review the earmarks. While Reid’s proffer was profoundly flawed in its failure to cover the majority of earmarks, it did, at least, require that earmarks and the identifying information be online prior to a vote.

The pending compromise, to meet the most basic standards of openness, must make sure it keeps the online provision of Reid’s bill. We trust that it will — but encourage citizens to keep the pressure on.