2Day in #OpenGov 11/28/2011

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Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.

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

News Roundup:

Government

  • A new index ranks federal agency websites for readability, transparency, and clarity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics topped the index, with the Federal Railroad Administration came in last. (Federal Computer Week)
  • Open government data is getting some mainstream attention from sources like NPR and the AP. (Govfresh)
  • Pentagon Inspector General Gordon Heddell announced that he will step down on Christmas Eve. Heddell has been credited with guiding his office with a steady hand and healing some internal problems. (POGO)
Access to Information
  • The Federal Reserve lent banks a combined $1.2 trillion on December, 5 2008. Three years later, the details of these bailouts are emerging. (Bloomberg)
  • President Obama has ordered federal agencies to make better use of digital record keeping systems. Obama stated that the move would give “the American public…access to clear and accurate information about the decisions and actions of the federal government.” (Washington Post)
Lobbying
  • Advocates for America’s national parks are not being left out of the post-Super-Committee lobbying rush. In the face of automatic cuts they are planning Hill visits and spending large sums in proportion with their share of the budget. (Roll Call $)
  • Two researchers have outlined a proposal to expand lobbying transparency. They argue that publishing lobbying data online would “promote competition and a vibrant democratic process”. (POGO)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 11/28-12/2:

House

  • Stimulus Oversight: An update on accountability, transparency, and performance. Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. 2318 RHOB. 11/30, 10:00 am. Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight hearing.
  • Anti Public Corruption Enforcement/Private Property Rights Protection. Judiciary. 2141 RHOB. 12/1, 10:00 am. Full Committee markup.
Senate
  • Hearings to examine the nominations of Ajit Varadaraj Pai and Jessica Rosenworcel to be members of the Federal Communications Commission. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 253 RSOB. 11/30, 2:30 pm. Full Committee hearing.
  • Hearings to examine continuing oversight of the “Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.” Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. 106 DSOB. 12/1, 10:00 am.
  • Insider Trading and Congressional Accountability. Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. 342 DSOB. 12/1, 2:30 pm. Full Committee hearing.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.
Transparency events scheduled for 11/28-12/2:
  • None.

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