2Day in #OpenGov 10/4/2011

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Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.

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:

Government
  • The Senate is battling over cuts to the GAO that might force the agency to downsize its workforce. Opponents argue that cuts will hinder the GAO’s ability to identify waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal spending. (ExecutiveGov)
  • After a 10 year process, the National Archives and Records Administration has completed development of their Electronic Records Archives. The ERA was designed to collect and archive electronic records created by Federal agencies. IBM has won a contract to operate and maintain the system. (Federal Computer Week)
Revolving Door
  • One of John Kerry’s (D-MA) top foreign policy aides, Frank Lowenstein, has stepped down to join the Podesta Group. He will work primarily with international clients, reflecting the Podesta Group’s recent growth in foreign markets. (New York Times)
  • A former staffer to House Speaker John Boehner, Jay Cranford, is leaving the House to become a name partner at boutique lobbying firm Clark Lytle Geduldig & Cranford. The firm is primarily known for its financial services work. Cranford is expected to focus on expanding their energy and technology practice. (National Journal)
State and Local
  • Legislators rate lobbyists as an important source of information, although they prefer to look to their legislative leaders, staff, and colleagues first, according to data compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures. (Lobby Comply and NCSL)
  • Alaskan lobbyists will only be able to donate to candidates that represent them under new redistricting alignments, according to a decision by the Alaskan Public Offices Commission. This will prevent lobbyists whose districts are shifting  from donating in multiple races.  (Lobby Comply)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 10/4:

Senate

  • Budget. Improving the Budget Process. 608 DSOB. 9/30 am. Full Committee hearing.

House

  • Financial Services. Audit the Fed: Dodd-Frank, QE3, and Federal Reserve Transparency. 2128 RHOB. 10:00 am. Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
  • Oversight and Government Affairs. Commission on Wartime Contracting Report. 2154 RHOB. 10:00 am. Full Committee hearing.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.

Transparency events scheduled for 10/4:

  •  None.

 

 

 

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