The Day in Transparency 3/29/2011

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

News Roundup:

  • House Republicans and Democrats are raising millions to influence redistricting, running expensive campaigns funded by unregulated, unreported soft money. (Politico)
  • AT&T delivered 1,500 cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake to the Federal Communications Commission’s DC headquarters while they were debating Internet service provide rules last December. (New York Times)
  • The unrest in the Middle East has resulted in numerous canceled contracts, new deals, and changed advocacy strategies on K Street. (The Hill)
  • Netflix is aligning itself with consumer advocacy groups, developing a mutually beneficial partnership that may bolster Netflix’s lobbying influence when competing with other telecommunication companies. (The Hill)
  • Documents uncovered through a House Oversight and Government Reform committee investigation indicate that tension between political appointees and career employees at the Department of Homeland Security is contributing to the department’s lack of FOIA compliance. (Politico)
  • Nebraska’s legislature is considering a bill that would mandate that anyone making an electioneering communication over $250 has to file a report of electioneering communication with the state Accountability and Disclosure Commission. (Lobby Comply)
  • The Hill profiles Tim Sparapani, one of Facebook’s chief lobbyists. (The Hill)
  • A Roll Call investigation found that many Members have thousands of dollars in unpaid parking tickets. (Roll Call $)
  • A Government Accountability Office report indicates that the implementation of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law will cost agencies $! billion this year. (The Wall Street Journa)
  • A Center for Public Integrity study finds that the Pentagon’s Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) has been a failed program lacking accountability, data collection, and spending disclosure. (Center for Public Integrity)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 3/29:

House:

  • None scheduled.

Senate:

  • Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security. To examine tools to prevent Department of Defense cost overruns. 2:30pm. Senate Dirksen Building #342.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.

Transparency events scheduled for 3/29: