Government

• So much data, so little time: A recent survey of Government IT professionals indicates that, while the federal government is collecting more data than ever before, agencies are struggling to make use of it. (The Atlantic Wire)
• DATA quality concerns: The DATA Act easily passed the House last month, but faces an uphill battle through the Senate and the President’s desk. At a House Oversight Committee hearing the U.S. controller noted the administration’s view that the bill needs work. (National Journal)
• Whipping up conversation: House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) plucked his new Digital Director, Justin LoFranco, from Rep. Darrell Issa’s Oversight Committee staff. LoFranco will focus on “building creative and innovative community conversations.” (Tech President)

Lobbying

• Never fear, pensions are (still) here: House Democrats failed in an attempt to amend the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation act with language that would have banned former members of Congress who make $1 million annually as registered lobbyists from collecting their government pensions. (Politico)
• Taiwan on the lobbyist dime? Rep. Bill Owens (D-NY) and his wife took a trip to Taiwan as part of an “international cultural exchange,” ostensibly paid for by The Chinese Culture University in Taiwan. But, new documents reveal that the trip may have been arranged by a lobbying group, a big problem under House ethics rules. (Politico)