Blog: The Fine Print / posts by Gavin Baker
Administration Replacing Derided Terror Alert System
Apr 21, 2011 by Gavin Baker
As transparency advocates, we often advocate for government to make more information available to the public. However, sometimes the problem comes when government does make information available – and the information is wrong, confusing, misleading, or manipulative.
read in fullWhite House Unveils Taxpayer Receipt
Apr 15, 2011 by Gavin Baker
Today – on what would be Tax Day, had it not been delayed by Washington, DC's Emanicipation Day holiday – the White House released a new taxpayer receipt tool.
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Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board Still AWOL
Apr 13, 2011 by Gavin Baker
Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Daniel Akaka (D-HI) last week urged President Obama to revive the dormant Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board by nominating members to fill the board's vacancies.
read in fullStiff Cuts to E-Government in Compromise CR
Apr 12, 2011 by Gavin Baker
The details of the compromise continuing resolution (CR) agreed to late last Friday, narrowly avoiding a government shutdown, have been released. While more analysis is forthcoming, at this point we can say that the CR doesn't look good for e-government.
read in fullSubscribe to the Right-to-Know Update
Mar 30, 2011 by Gavin Baker
OMB Watch has launched a new biweekly email covering the latest news on government transparency and environmental right-to-know. To receive the Right-to-Know Update, please subscribe for free today.
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Supreme Court: No "Privacy" for Corporations
Mar 1, 2011 by Gavin Baker
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that corporations are not subject to the personal privacy exemption of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The 8-0 ruling in Federal Communications Commission v. AT&T overturned a lower court ruling in AT&T's favor, which transparency advocates had worried could have imposed significant new barriers to public access to information.
read in fullPATRIOT Act Provisions Get Three-Month Extension, But Nearly Lose Funding
Feb 18, 2011 by Gavin Baker
The House voted yesterday to agree to the Senate's three-month extension of expiring PATRIOT Act provisions. The President is expected to sign the bill before Feb. 28, when the current provisions expire.
read in fullCongress Headed for PATRIOT Act Debate This Year
Feb 16, 2011 by Gavin Baker
The Senate voted yesterday to extend expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act until May 27. The House had voted to extend the provisions until December 8; today, the House agreed to consider the Senate version. The House and Senate have to agree before Feb. 28 or the provisions will expire.
read in fullTake Two: PATRIOT Act Extension Passes House
Feb 15, 2011 by Gavin Baker
Last week, the House failed to clear a supermajority vote under special rules to extend expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act. But no surprises this time: the House approved the extension yesterday under normal majority rules.
read in fullSurprise! PATRIOT Act Extension Fails House Vote
Feb 9, 2011 by Gavin Baker
In a surprise move, a vote to extend expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act fell short in the House yesterday. Three controversial provisions of the intelligence law are set to expire Feb. 28.
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