2Day in #OpenGov 11/30/2011

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Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post.

Here is Wednesday’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 released its semiannual report on salaries, expenses, and disbursements this morning. The report has been published since 1823, but today marks the first time it has been posted online. (Roll Call $)
  • Despite a moratorium on earmarks, lawmakers are still trying to steer special funding to their districts. Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) will introduce legislation that aims to legally ban earmarks. (Washington Post)
  • The House Ethics Committee sent a reminder, to all members of Congress and staff, that Congressional rules bar insider trading and conflicts of interest. (Roll Call $)
Lobbying
  • Newt Gingrich has insisted that he did not lobby for his consulting clients. But, it appears that he connected officials with executives and promoted his clients to lawmakers. (National Journal)
  • Energy Secretary Steven Chu’s press secretary is moving through the revolving door to join BerlinRosen Public Affairs. (National Journal)
  • Staffers for the Department of Health and Human Services and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) are leaving government service to join the private sector. (The Hill)
State and Local
  • The Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission has had a busy year. Major staff changes and an institutional overhaul have resulted in stalled investigations and numerous delinquencies by local officials. (Lobby Comply)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 11/30:

House

  • Stimulus Oversight: An update on accountability, transparency, and performance. Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. 2318 RHOB. 10:00 am. Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight hearing.
Senate
  • Hearings to examine the nominations of Ajit Varadaraj Pai and Jessica Rosenworcel to be members of the Federal Communications Commission. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 253 RSOB. 2:30 pm. Full Committee hearing.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.
Transparency events scheduled for 11/30:
  • None.

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