Since you’re reading this, it seems safe to say that you know we haven’t taken our sites dark today. Like... View Article
Continue readingThe News Without Transparency: Obama White House Releases Digital Staff Salary Report
A number of news outlets, including the National Journal and Reuters, reported on the White House’s release of its 2011... View Article
Continue reading2Day in #OpenGov 1/18/2012
Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post. Here is a look at Wednesday’s transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related... View Article
Continue readingCitizens United: Montana Fights Back
Joining us from Montana as our special guest blogger is Montana Cowgirl. You can read more of her blog on Montana... View Article
Continue reading2Day in #OpenGov 1/17/2012
Here is a look at this week's transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and transparency-related events. News Roundup:
- Nigeria's Attorney General and Justice Minister Mohammed Bello Adoke has been implicated in a large corruption scheme. Adoke has admitted that he owns numerous bank accounts, but denied reports that they contain millions of dollars. (Sahara Reporters)
- Iran is continuing to put more pressure on its citizens that use the internet. The most recent restrictions include rules requiring cybercafes to install cameras and security monitoring equipment as well as collect personal information from customers. (Herdict Blog)
- The Canadian government will attempt to lift a ban on reporting election results before polls close across the country. Opponents argue that the ban, enacted in 1938, is not compatible with the rise of the internet, social media, and mobile technology. (Tech President)
- Reps. Howard McKeon (R-CA) and Elton Gallegly (R-CA) received "VIP" loans from Countrywide Financial, according to reports. They join Edolphus Towns (D-NY) as lawmakers named in an investigation into the program run by Countrywide. A fourth House member has not yet been named. (National Journal)
- The House of Representatives announced that it will shelve SOPA until "consensus is reached" in response to mounting criticism of the bills. PIPA, the senate counterpart, is still scheduled for a vote next week. Wikipedia, Reddit, and other major web networks are going ahead with a planned a blackout on Wednesday to protest the bills. (Gov Fresh)
- The Republican National Committee is trying to overturn a ban on corporate cash donations to party committees and federal campaigns. They argue that, since independent groups can collect unlimited corporate donations, the ban disadvantages candidates and party committees. (Politico)
- Rick Santorum has positioned himself as a Washington "outsider" and government reformer during his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. But, as a member of the House and Senate his campaigns received more than $11 million from corporate and special interest PACs. (iWatch News)
Will Super PACs Determine the 2012 Election?
The Advisory Committee on Transparency is hosting an event, “Will Super PACs Determine the 2012 Election? Should they be more transparent?”... View Article
Continue readingHow House Operating Budget Cuts are Paving the Way for More Special Interest Influence
When the House returns to work today, it will be a slightly leaner, slightly less technologically cutting-edge body than it... View Article
Continue readingSunlight Weekly Roundup: Bernie Sanders calls Citizens United “a complete undermining of democracy”
In our continued effort to highlight the anniversary of January 2010’s Citizens United decision, all of this month’s weekly roundups... View Article
Continue readingHouse Launches Transparency Portal
Making good on part of the House of Representative’s commitment to increase congressional transparency, today the House Clerk’s office launched... View Article
Continue reading2Day in #OpenGov 1/13/2012
Policy Fellow Matt Rumsey wrote this post. Here is a look at this week’s transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings,... View Article
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