Some things never change, and Congress isn't likely to anytime soon. The farm bill passed with a wide enough margin to sustain a veto. Newsflash for all of you Obama and McCain supporters: they aren't going to be successful in getting rid of earmarks.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/...bath_water.html
Obama's plan is to simply make it more transparent, but without an actual ban on this type of spending, it will continue. Such a ban would be hard pressed to pass Congress, given that this practice is widespread. So the spending is more transparent, big deal It'll still continue, none of the big party supporters will vote them out of office for bringing money to their home district, and the other guys would just do it anyway.
This type of "change" is completely useless and a waste of time, but hell, it sure makes us feel good, doesn't it?