2Day in #OpenGov 2/15/2013

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NEWS ROUNDUP:

  • The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has some new members and subcommittee heads. Notably, Claire McCaskill (D-MO) will now have oversight of financial transparency, procurement, and contracting issues. (Federal Computer Week)
  • Many major lobbying firms are facing shortfalls in their PACs following the 2012 election compared to previous cycles. The firms appear to have spent big while trying to keep up with the torrent of outside cash that flooded what was the most expensive campaign ever. (Public Integrity)
  • Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) is planning to re-introduce the Federal Research Public Access Act. The legislation would require researchers who receive federal funds to make their final papers available for free online. Companion legislation will likely be introduced in the Senate. (National Journal)
  • The IRS paid $125.4 million to whistleblowers in 2012, significantly more than in 2011. The boost was mostly due to a $104 million payout to former UBS banker and whistleblower Bradley Birkenfeld. Over the past five years the IRS has collected almost $1.5 billion as a result of its whistleblower program. (Wall Street Journal)
  • The OMB is pledging to improve the accuracy of spending data on USASpending.gov. Dan Werfel, OMB’s Controller, highlighted transparency and the need for standardized data across government at a speech on Wednesday. (Federal Computer Week)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:

  • None.

HAPPENING TODAY 2/15: 

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