2Day in #OpenGov 10/27/2011

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

News Roundup:

Access to Information
  • The FCC may propose a rule that would require broadcasters to post information about political advertisements on the internet. Broadcasters are already required to keep the data, but it is normally only available in hard copy at local stations. (Politico)
  • The White House has released its first response to “We The People” its online petitioning platform. The response, in regards to a petition calling for student loan relief, coincides with the administration’s announcement that they will pursue policies to lower student loan payments. (techPresident)
  • The National Archives and Records Administration’s new Electronic Records Archive has a major flaw in its search engine, according to a report by NARA’s Inspector General. (Federal Computer Week)
Super Committee 
  • A variety of proposals relating to Federal pay and benefits have been submitted to the Super Committee, but the committee has yet to mention any substantive reform ideas at their public meetings. (Government Executive)
  • Political Action Committees for more than 100 special interests have donated more than $300,000 to members of the Super Committee. (iwatchnews)
Campaign Finance
  • The Progressive Policy Institute has proposed a “fundraising quiet period”, inspired by Rep. Lynn Westmoreland’s controversial “once-a-quarter” fundraising plan. The plan would prohibit House members from fundraising until the second session of Congress and keep Senators out of the money race until the fifth year of their terms. (National Journal)
  • Two new studies are predicting the role that money will play in the 2012 elections. It appears likely that outside groups will spend far more than they ever have in the past. However, many major corporations have taken steps to voluntarily disclose their political spending. (Washington Post)
  • Former FEC Chairman Michael Toner thinks that the United States should do away with limits on campaign contributions. In his view we should “lift the limits, have real-time disclosure and let these candidates have at it”. (Politico)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 10/27:

House
  • Oversight and Government Reform. Health Care Law Marriage Penalty/Deficit Impacts. 2154 RHOB. 10/27, 9:30 am. Subcommittee on Health Care, District of Columbia, Census, and the National Archives.
  • Oversight and Government Reform. Homeland Security Department Internal Control Weaknesses. 2247 RHOB. 10/27, 10:00 am. Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency, and Financial Management.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.
Transparency events scheduled for 10/27:
  • None.

 

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