make earmark spending more transparent and encourage a legislative culture focused on issues instead of deal making.

It's hard to know how much we're spending on earmarks, the outlay of money is not evenly distributed, and the use of earmarks as bargaining chips clutters the debate around an issue with unrelated topics.
I propose that we create 2 pools of money in the federal budget. One is divided evenly among senators, and one is divided evenly among representatives. This budgetary item can be scaled up or down as the economy allows, increasing transparency and control. The congressperson has complete autonomy over their portion - they are only accountable to their constituents. Money not used at the end of the fiscal year reverts to a general fund for the state. Last, this would hopefully change the culture - no more excuses for attaching unrelated items to a bill as a quid pro quo.