2Day in #OpenGov 11/29/12

by

NEWS ROUNDUP:

Government

  • Lawmakers duel over music royalties: A House Judiciary Committee hearing made it clear lawmakers have different ideas about what kind of reform should happen with royalties music-streaming websites pay recording companies and artists. They did agree, however, that royalty fees should be paid for songs played on traditional radio stations. (The Hill)
  • Issa considers two-year ban on Internet regulations:  U.S. Rep. Darrel Issa (R-CA) is asking for input on a bill that would place a two-year ban on any new Internet regulations, with an exception for national security emergencies. (The Hill)
  • Report finds Reyes probably misused funds: A House Ethics Committee report found reason to believe U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) violated campaign finance rules or law by having campaign events on House property, among other things. (Roll Call)

Lobbying

  • Through the revolving door: Don Green, who has worked as a staffer for several members of Congress, has been named vice president at Business Roundtable. That’s just one of several recent changes on K Street. (The Hill)
  • A firm to help find a lobbying firm: Need a firm to help find the best lobbying firm for your interests? There’s a firm for that now, with the launch of LobbyWise.  (Roll Call)
International
  • Politics impede investigation into Afghanistan fraud: A recent report found Afghanistan politics impeded an investigation into more than $800 million in fraudulent loans at Kabul Bank. The report details connections between bank officials and government officials that created a complex web perpetuating and shielding the fraud. (Bloomberg) 
  • Report finds Germany too lax on corruption: A report from the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO) found Germany’s progress with anti-corruption reform has essentially halted. Germany remains one of the few GRECO members, for example, that has not rafitifed tougher penalties for bribing members of parliament. (Spiegel Online)
RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:
  • None

HAPPENING TODAY 11/29: 

  • Who Should Govern the Internet? New America Foundation. Thurs. Nov. 29, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. New America Foundation, 1899 L St. NW, Suite 400, Washington DC, 20036.
  • Privacy and the Identity Economy. National Press Club. Thurs. Nov. 29, 9-11 a.m. National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor First Amendment Lounge, Washington DC, 20045.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
  • None. 

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