2Day in #OpenGov 3/18/2013

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NEWS ROUNDUP:

  • President Obama is scheduled to attend fundraisers for Congressional Democrats in California and Georgia over the next two months. He will be raising money for the DNC, DCCC, and DSCC. (Politico)
  • The Club for Growth is looking to launch primary challenges against a number of moderate Republicans next year. Many of the targeted Congressman are making early moves to raise money from Congressional leadership and corporate PACs to help stave off the attacks. (Politico)
  • Organizing for Action is struggling to gain momentum among a continued barrage of bad press and watchdog attention. Top donors have been slow to open their wallets, with one commenting that “the money isn’t there.” (The Hill)
  • For the second year in a row the Justice Department has been given the not-so-prestigious Rosemary Award by the National Security Archive. The group gives the award annually to a public agency with a bad track record of transparency and openness over the past year. (Washington Post)
  • The long time president and CEO of software lobbying organization BSA is stepping down next month. Robert Holleyman led the group for 23 years, helping to turn it into one of the foremost technology lobbying groups. (The Hill)
  • Senator Al Franken (D-Minn) is turning to his past as a comedian to raise money for his 2014 reelection bid. He is offering donors a chance to win brunch with late-night host Conan O’Brien. (Washington Post)
  • Mayors Against Illegal Guns is boosting their presence in a number of states as gun control legislation makes its way through Congress. The group, founded by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is adding field and press staff for a push to sway members of Congress in their home districts. (Politico)
  • A federal appeals court decided that the CIA has to disclose a description of its records on drone strikes to a judge in response to a FOIA suit filed by the ACLU. While the decision will not make this information publicly available, it is a rebuff of the Obama administration who wanted to keep the documents completely closed. (New York Times)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:

  • H.R. 1162. To amend title 31, United States Code, to make improvements in the Government Accountability Office.
  • H.R. 1211. To amend section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act), to provide for greater public access to information, and for other purposes.
  • S.J.Res.11. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to restore the rights of the American people that were taken away by the Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United case and related decisions, to protect the integrity of our elections, and to limit the corrosive influence of money in our democratic process.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK 3/18-3/22:

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