Government

• Emerson resigns after winning re-election: U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) announced she is resigning after winning re-election to take a position with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, which lobbies for electric utility companies. She will step down in February and a special election will be held to fill the seat. (New York Times) 

• Plum Book published in print, digital formats: The Plum Book published by the Government Printing Office is out for the first time in both print and digital formats. The book details government positions by agency, pay grade, appointment type, and more. (Government Executive)

• Diminishing line between think tanks and government: In the wake of Gen. David Petraeus’ resignation as head of the CIA, reports show an increasingly thin line between think tanks and government. Several think tank scholars had close relationships with Petraeus, including spending time with him in Afghanistan. (Washington Post)

• Senate approves revamped Hatch Act: The Senate unanimously approved changes to the Hatch Act last week, changing penalties for government employees who violate the law. The Act is aimed at limiting the political activities of government employees. (Fierce Government)

• The end of Apps.gov: Apps.gov, a website aimed at helping federal agencies find ways cloud computing could be helpful, is shutting down after low use. (GovTech)

• Council study encourages more tech-related spending: The President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology released a report recommending more spending by the federal government on research and development. (Fierce Government)

• World Bank creates open data primer: The World Bank recently launched a toolkit explaining open data concepts in hopes of fostering more open governments and supporting frameworks. (Fierce Government)

• Google evangelist raises questions on UN conference: Vint Cerf, chief Internet evangelist at Google, is raising questions about a closed-door United Nations conference where certain countries are discussing possible changes to telecommunications standards. He warned the conference could lead to more Internet censorship. (The Hill)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:

• None

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