2Day in #OpenGov 6/29/2011

by

Here is Wednesday’s look at transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and transparency-related events.

News Roundup:

Government

  • An agent at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who was critical of the ATF’s infamous Project Gunrunner program was fired, causing other ATF agents to resist cooperating with the House Oversight committee’s investigation into the program. (Project on Government Oversight)

Access to Information

  • A new Freedom of Information Act request by a privacy group has raised concerns about the cost of transparency. (Government Security News)
  • Opinion: “Uploading a million documents to the Internet doesn’t help people who don’t know how to sift through them.” (Wired Magazine)

Campaign Finance

  • In response to advertisements by conservative Super PAC Crossroads GPS, progressive Super PAC Priorities USA has launched several TV ads in select swing states. (National Journal)
  • Opinion: In upholding a Second Circuit decision regarding Connecticut’s campaign public finance laws, the Supreme Court has given campaign finance reform advocates something to be hopeful about. (The American Prospect)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 6/29:

Senate

  • Financial Fraud Enforcement Oversight. Judiciary Committee. Subcommittee Hearing on Administrative Oversight and the Courts. Wednesday. 10 am. 226 DSOB.

House

  • None.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.

Transparency events scheduled for 6/29:

  • The Power of Open. The New America Foundation. 5:30 pm. 1899 L St. NW. Washington D.C.