2Day in #OpenGov 7/6/2011

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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:

Lobbying

  • Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel plans to introduce new ethics reform legislation to limit the power of lobbyists. (NBC Chicago)(Chicago Tribune)
  • Google hired 12 lobbying firms to defend the company against an upcoming antitrust investigation by the Federal Trade Commission. (Am Law Daily)
  • Goldman Sachs has become a major lobbying power in Washington due to the threat of increased regulation. (Fierce Finance)

Government & Technology

  • President Obama will respond to questions asked by members of the public via Twitter in front of a live audience in the White House during a Twitter Town Hall later today. (Federal News Radio)
  • The Department of Defense is inviting civilian employees and private-sector IT professionals to join its Information Technology Exchange Program in an attempt to share best IT practices between the public and private sectors. (Executive Gov)(Federal Computer Week)
  • The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is marking its 90th anniversary this month. (Washington Post)

Access to Information

  • Government delays in responding to FOIA requests remain a problem regarding public access to information, according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis. (iWatch News)

Campaign Finance

  • A subsidiary of Koch Industries has been fined by the FEC for making illegal foreign campaign contributions. (Roll Call $)

International

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 7/6:

Senate

  • None.

House

  • Federal Government Spectrum Use. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. 2:00 pm. 2123 Rayburn HOB.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.

Transparency events scheduled for 7/6:

  • None.