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

News Roundup:

Government

• Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundera’s recent resignation may not be as disastrous as predicted for open government initiatives. (The Washington Post)
• The Senate Armed Services Committee’s markup of the National Defense Authorization Act was conducted in a closed session, after a vote of 17-9 determined that it would be held in private; Sen. Claire McCaskill dissented, holding her subcommittee hearing in an open session. (Project on Government Oversight)
• Opinion: Criticism of Obama for his comment on corporations’ aversion to regulation is unwarranted. (Huffington Post)

Revolving Door

• The top lobbyist at newly registered lobbying group Glover Park Group served both in the Department of Agriculture and on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; his issue matter reads, “Issues related to the US Forest Service.” (The Examiner)

Lobbying

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce expanded its influence in the judicial system this past year, submitting more briefs to the Supreme Court than ever before and adding more lawyers to its staff; the Chamber’s expansion has coincided with multiple victories for businesses in the Supreme Court. (Roll Call)
• Opinion: The line between think-tank and lobbyist is often blurred, Dr. Glen Fuller writes. (The Drum Opinion)

Campaign Finance

• The FEC ruled that federal politicians and candidates cannot raise more than $5000 for independent expenditure only committees, a set-back for both progressive and conservative so-called Super PACs. (National Journal)
• The FEC’s ruling included a loophole for candidates limited by the $5000 threshold, perhaps diminishing a sense of progress that campaign finance reform advocates felt after the hearing. (Roll Call)
• Sarah Palin will offer supporters of her Super PAC a copy of “The Undefeated,” the recent pro-Palin documentary that portrays her as a savior of the GOP. (The Hill)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 7/1:

Senate

• None

House

• None.

Relevant bills introduced:

• None.

Transparency events scheduled for 7/1:

• None.