by Carrie Tian, policy intern

NEWS:

• In order to combat the growing power of super PACs and nonprofits, states across the nation seek to raise campaign limits for individuals. 6 states have passed such legislation this year, with another eight considering similar bills. Proponents claim that individual contributions are more transparent, though critics fear the increased limits will further tilt the balance of power in favor of the moneyed. (Public Integrity)
• European allies are furious over revelations that the NSA has bugged EU offices and is collecting information on telephone and Internet connections, warning that the intrusions may throw a proposed trans-Atlantic trade treaty into jeopardy. (Spiegel)
• Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive, gave an interview about his receipt of a national-security letter and how he successfully sued the government, with the aid of the ACLU and EFF. (New Yorker)
• A law protecting whistleblowing defense contractors goes into effect today. The National Defense Authorization Act allows contractors to report waste or fraud directly to the office of the Defense Department’s inspector general, instead of their bosses. (Government Executive)
• Months before 2014 elections, senators are racking in money to supplement their war chests – and spending it, launching back and forth ad attacks early. (Roll Call)