2Day in #OpenGov 11/15/2011

by

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 White House is urging Congress to maintain separate funding for eGov programs. Current proposals would merge the Electronic Government Fund with another fund and dramatically reduce the amount of available funding. (Federal Computer Week)

Super Committee

  • Lawmakers on the House and Senate Agriculture committees are trying to work a new five year farm bill into the Super Committee proposal. If successful, lawmakers would avoid a more public, election year debate. (The Hill)
  • As the Super Committee is approaching its November 23 deadline special interests are gearing up for the next phase in their lobbying campaign. The focus will shift to the full Congress once the Super Committee has introduced their plan. (Roll Call $)
Ethics
  • House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) called for increased disclosure of lawmakers’ finances after “60 Minutes” reported that several congressional leaders might have participated in insider trading. (Politico)
Lobbying
  • NetCoalition, an internet advocacy group that counts Google, Facebook, and Yahoo among its clients, is looking to secure its seat at the table in Washington. After more than a decade in existence, the group is looking for its first full-time executive director. (Roll Call$)
  • With Congress gridlocked and an election year looming, lobbyists are facing falling incomes. To boost their bottom lines many firms are building up their federal marketing, communications, and consulting practices. (Washington Post)
  • The Obama Administration is extending the review of their proposed rule banning federal workers from taking gifts from lobbyists. Those hoping to comment on the proposal will have an extra 30 days to do so. (The Hill)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 11/15:

House

  • Oversight and Government Reform. Office of Personnel Management’s Mission. 2154 RHOB. 9:30 am. Federal Workforce, US Postal Service, and Labor Policy Subcommittee.
Senate
  • Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Hearing on the nomination of Roslyn Ann Mazer to be inspector general of DHS.  342 DSOB. 3:00 pm. Full Committee hearing

Relevant bills introduced:

  • H.R. 3332. The Truth in Government Accounting Act of 2011. Referred to the House Committees on the Budget and Oversight and Government Reform.
Transparency events scheduled for 11/15:
  • None.

Do you want to track transparency news? You can add our feed to your Google Reader.