2Day in #OpenGov 10/5/12

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NEWS ROUNDUP:

Government

  • Another STOCK Act delay? Financial disclosure requirements for some federal workers under the STOCK Act have already been delayed, but those impacted are asking for another delay from Congress. Those fighting the disclosures say the information could pose a threat to national security. (The Hill)  
  • Feds launch big data competition: Anyone wanting to show off their big data skills has the chance with a new series of competitions launched by NASA, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. The agencies are challenging competitors to help make data more organized and accessible. (Federal Computer Week)
Lobbying
  • One candidate, two takes on lobbyists: Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democratic Senate candidate, has made railing against lobbyists one of her campaign talking points. Missing from those talking points is her history of paying lobbying firms to do work for her. (National Journal)
Campaign finance
  • The money tells another story: Health insurance lobbyists who worked with President Barack Obama on healthcare reform contributed most heavily to the people who were trying to defeat the new law, records show. Of the total campaign contributions by political action committees for the largest health insurance companies, nearly two-thirds went toward Republicans who opposed the healthcare law or support repealing it. (Public Integrity)
  • Another ‘oops’ for Akin: Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO), who is running for a Senate seat, caught more unwanted attention this week when it was revealed he failed to disclose some of his finances as required. Akin said that the 10 years of disclosure omissions were “an unintentional oversight.” (Roll Call)
  • Lawmakers back in DC … for fundraising: Congress might be on break right now, but lawmakers can still be found around the nation’s Capitol – seeking some campaign capital. Several members of Congress who are running for re-election have been in town asking for contributions. (Roll Call)
International
  • New law in Philippines sparks fear: A law that took effect this week in the Philippines is sparking fears that people could be imprisoned for things like sharing posts on Twitter and Facebook. The fear stems from some of the libel provisions in the law, which critics say could cause “mayhem.” (New York Times)
  RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:
  • None

HAPPENING TODAY 10/5:

  • FEC Data Diving. National Press Club Journalism Institute. Fri. Oct. 5. 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. National Press Club, Bloomberg Room, Washington DC.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

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