Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events and analysis including a stronger NSA IG, money for open data, and the costs of corruption.  

National News

• A bipartisan group of Senators introduced a bill last week that would significantly increase the independence of the NSA’s inspector general. Currently, the spy agency is allowed to appoint its own watchdog, but the new legislation would make the position a Presidential appointee and Senate confirmable.  (Government Executive)
• Mary Jo White, chair of the SEC, is pushing for more transparency in high speed trading. New rules would require firms that participate in the practice to register and comply with regulatory agencies. (Executive Gov)
• President Obama nominated another major Democratic fundraiser to a high profile diplomatic post. Jane Hartley, who raised at least $500,000 for Obama in 2012, is on deck to be the next Ambassador to France. (Washington Post)

International News

• Two former German lawmakers are being investigated in connection with a corrupt arms deal between German company Crauss-Maffei Wegmann and Greece. (Transparency International)
• New Zealand is boosting funding for its open data programs by $300,000 over the next two years. The money will go towards specific data releases. (Future Gov)

State and Local News

• A new study in the Public Administration Review looked at more than 25,000 public corruption related convictions nationwide and found that higher instances of corruption correlate with increased spending on construction, highways, and police protection programs. (Government Technology)

Events This Week

• Transparency and Natural Resources: How the US can regain its leadership. Brookings Institution. Mon. 6/9. 4:00 – 6:00 pm. 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Falk Auditorium, Washington, DC 20036.
• Oversight hearing on data manipulation and access to VA healthcare: Testimony from GAO, IG, and VA. House Committee on Veterans Affairs. Mon. 6/9. 7:30 pm. 334 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC.
• A more efficient and effective government: Examining federal IT initiatives and the IT workforce. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Federal Programs and the Federal Workforce. Tues. 6/10. 2:30 pm. SD-342, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
• Nomination of Hon. Shaun L.S. Donovan to be Director, Office of Management and Budget. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Wed. 6/11. 10:00 am. SD-342, Dirksen Senate Office Building.
• Consideration of OMB Director Nominee Shaun Donovan. Senate Budget Committee. Wed. 6/11. 2:00 pm. SD-608, Dirksen Senate Office Building.

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