2Day in #OpenGov 1/25/2013

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NEWS ROUNDUP:

  • Raymond Baker, founder and director of the advocacy group Global Financial Integrity, argues for financial transparency by explaining how illicit capital flows destabilize economies, threaten security, and hinder human rights. (Trust Law)
  • Makers of popular energy drinks Red Bull and Monster are turning to K street for a jolt of influence on Capitol Hill as regulators look at the possible health risks associated with their products. Both brands signed on with powerful lobbying firms for the first time near the end of 2012, spending over $100,000 in the year’s waning months. (The Hill)
  • While an informal ban on earmarks has ruled congress with a frugal fist over the past few years, a bipartisan team of Senators wants to make it official policy. Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) introduced a measure to permanently ban the practice. A similar bill failed to pass during the 112th Congress. (Roll Call)
  • Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is playing host to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie at a fundraiser at his California home. The two have had a relationship since Zuckerberg donated $100 million to Newark, NJ public schools in 2010. (National Journal)
  • Members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are pushing President Obama to nominate an Inspector General for the State Department as the Senate considers John Kerry as the agency’s next head. State has been without a permanent IG since 2007. (Government Executive)
  • A new report ranks the states on how well they provide online access to government spending data. Today, almost every state has a transparency website with state spending information, but some are better than others. (US PIRG)
  • The House Ethics Committee announced stricter disclosure requirements on Wednesday. Members and senior staffers will now have to disclose underlying assets in certain investment funds and accounts. (Roll Call)
RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:
  • None.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK 1/25: 

  • None.

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