2Day in #OpenGov 11/14/2011

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Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.

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

News Roundup:

Government

  • Federal agency organizational charts are normally available online, but they are often costly or out of date. Recently, crowdsourced wikis have emerged, making the information more freely available and easily updated. (Federal Computer Week)
  • Government agencies have begun to embrace Google + now that “brand accounts” have been introduced. Notably, NASA has over 18,000 followers and has posted nearly two dozen times. (Government Technology)
Lobbying
  • The Obama administration is turning to lobbyists for support of their jobs initiative. The White House held a briefing last Thursday and urged participants to promote the jobs agenda. At least 10 notable lobbyists were in attendance. (Politico)
  • Jack Abramoff is out of prison with a book full of ideas to reform the lobbying industry. He is also planning a Facebook game, talking about a reality TV show, and trying to build a public speaking career. (New York Times)
Campaign Finance
  • A study released last week reports that large companies are reining in their political involvement by avoiding direct contributions, banning independent expenditures, and putting oversight mechanisms in place. (Roll Call $)
  • Two of Mitt Romney’s top campaign aides will be in Washington on December 2 for a fundraiser. A spot at the roundtable meeting will cost $500 for individuals and $1,000 for PACs. (National Journal)
  • Hunting season is upon us and congressional fundraisers are taking to the great outdoors. At least four hunting related fundraising events are scheduled for the coming week. (Washington Post)
  • After 7 years, the FEC has properly dismissed Ralph Nader’s complaint that Democrats received illegal donations and free legal services to keep his name off the ballot in 18 states. (Courthouse News)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 11/14-11/18:

House

  • Oversight and Government Reform. Office of Personnel Management’s Mission. 2154 RHOB. 11/15, 9:30 am. Federal Workforce, US Postal Service, and Labor Policy Subcommittee.
  • Energy an Commerce. FCC Transparency and Reporting Reforms. 2123 RHOB. 11/16, 9:00 am. Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup.
  • Rules. Congressional Approval of Agency Rulemaking. H-313 Capitol. 11/16, 2:00 pm. Full Committee Markup.
  • Energy and Commerce. Solyndra Loan Investigation. 2123 RHOB. 11/17, 9:00 am. Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing.
Senate
  • Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Hearing on the nomination of Roslyn Ann Mazer to be inspector general of DHS.  342 DSOB. 11/15, 3:00 pm. Full Committee hearing
  • Budget. Improving Regulatory Performance. 608 DSOB. 11/16, 2:30 pm. Full Committee hearing.
  • Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Government Contractor Oversight. 342 DSOB. 11/16, 9:00 am. Full Committee Hearing.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.
Transparency events scheduled for 11/14-11/18:
Wednesday

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