2Day in #OpenGov 2/8/2012

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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
  • Conference committees, meant to reconcile differences between House and Senate bills, have proved less and less useful in recent years. More often deals are being cut behind closed doors and away from public scrutiny. (Washington Times)
  • A new report found that, despite an earmark moratorium, a number of lawmakers directed tax dollars to a variety of programs that benefit their family members and areas near where they own property. (Washington Post)

Revolving Door

  • An amendment to the STOCK act will require political intelligence professionals to register under the lobbying disclosure law. But, they will not be subject to a cooling off period if they leave the Hill to work for a political intelligence firm. (National Journal)
  • Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) hired Blue State Digital’s client manager and senior communications strategist, Alex Kellner, to be her new digital director. (Tech President)
International
  • Mzalendo is a transparency website dedicated to monitoring the Parliament of Kenya. It has been around for several years, but recently undertook a major overhaul. (My Society)
  • Ghana’s president, up for reelection this year, is facing a massive corruption scandal that has already led to the resignation of two cabinet ministers. (Sahara Reporters)

Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 2/8:

House:

  • Legislative Proposals to Promote Accountability and Transparency at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 10:00 am. 2128 RHOB. Committee of Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.
  • SBA Information Technology Mismanagement. 1:00 pm. 2360 RHOB. Committee on Small Business.
  • Union Worker Forced Political Contributions. 10:00 am. 2154 RHOB. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
  • Interaction of Tax Policy and Financial Accounting Rules. 9:00 am. 1100 LHOB. Committee on Ways and Means.
Senate:
  • None.

Relevant bills introduced:

  • None.
Transparency events scheduled for 2/8:
  • Press conference on the STOCK Act. 12:30 pm. House Triangle, Capitol.

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