NEWS ROUNDUP:

Outside Spending:

• Forget super PACs: Anonymity now preferred by corporations: Corporations are increasingly donating money to “social advocacy” groups, as the anonymity offered by these organizations allows them to pursue a political goal without revealing so to their customers. (New York Times)
• Independent expenditures now preferred over issue ads for political groups: Because electioneering communications requires buyers to reveal who paid for the advertisements–supposedly opening the door for their harassment–prominent outside groups are switching to independent expenditures, which keep the donors’ identities private. (The Hill)
• Democrats filed FEC complaint against GOP 501c(4) groups: Citing willful violation of election law, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee issued a complaint to the FEC arguing that many Republican outside spending groups should be classified as political committees. Leaders of these groups accused the DSCC of not addressing similar Democrat groups in their complaint. (New York Times)

Open Data

• Department of Justice amends FOIA policy: In order to better comply with the OPEN Government Act of 2007, the Department of Justice is amending and streamlining the procedure of its Freedom of Information Act policies. (Federal Register)
• High cost to making agency reports public: A proposed measure that would make available detailed spending reports for each federal agency has been estimated to cost $100 million over five years by the Congressional Budget Office. Supporters of the bill claim it will save taxpayers billions by eliminating waste and duplication. (Executive Gov)
• Demonstration of FCC political ad information database imminent: A hard-fought (and still contested) FCC database revealing political ad buyers will be previewed on July 17 in a live online stream. (techPresident)
• Financial transparency site launched in Arkansas: A new Arkansas site will make public numerous types of financial data, including expenditures, revenue, and employee salaries. Certain provisions will be updated daily. (Government Technology)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:

• S.3360: Read the Bills Act. “A Bill to preserve the constitutional authority of Congress and ensure accountability and transparency in legislation.” Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

• H.R.6042: Senior Executive Service Reform Act of 2012. “Sec. 305: Transparency of Senior Executive Service rankings and pay.” Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK 7/9 – 7/13:

Hearings:

• Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission: House Energy and Commerce. Tues. 7/9. 10:15 a.m. 2123 Rayburn House Office Building. Communications and Technology subcommittee hearing.
• …Reauthorization of the U.S. SAFE WEB Act of 2006: House Energy and Commerce. Thurs. 7/11. 10:00 p.m. 2322 Rayburn House Office Building. Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade subcommittee hearing.

Events:

• Cybersecurity and American Power: Mon. 7/9. 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. American Enterprise Institute. 1150 17th Street NW, Washington, D.C.

• Addressing Cyber Instability: Tues. 7/10. 11:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Atlantic Council of the United States. 1101 15th Street NW, 11th Floor, Washington, D.C.

• Federal Internet Policymaking: A Discussion with Daniel Weitzner: Tues. 7/10. 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. 1015 15th Street NW, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

• None.

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