Political Interference

Feb 8, 2016

Top 400 Taxpayers See Tax Rates Rise, But There’s More to the Story

As Americans were gathering party supplies to greet the New Year, the Internal Revenue Service released their annual report of cumulative tax data reported on the 400 tax r...

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Feb 4, 2016

Chlorine Bleach Plants Needlessly Endanger 63 Million Americans

Chlorine bleach plants across the U.S. put millions of Americans in danger of a chlorine gas release, a substance so toxic it has been used as a chemical weapon. Greenpeace’s new repo...

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Jan 25, 2016

U.S. Industrial Facilities Reported Fewer Toxic Releases in 2014

The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data for 2014 is now available. The good news: total toxic releases by reporting facilities decreased by nearly six percent from 2013 levels. Howe...

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Jan 22, 2016

Methane Causes Climate Change. Here's How the President Plans to Cut Emissions by 40-45 Percent.

UPDATE (Jan. 22, 2016): Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released its proposed rule to reduce methane emissions...

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They're Home for August... Don't Give Them a Break!

Jul 29, 2006 by Guest Blogger

Members of Congress are flocking home for the August recess. This is their prime time for checking in with you, raising money from you, and trying to keep your votes.

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It's Working: Sunset Bills Delayed (For Now)

The two sunset commission bills that were racing toward a floor vote in the House this week have both been delayed. All signs were that they would be voted on this week, but they have both been delayed until September.

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Just Like Texas? Nope.

Jul 27, 2006 by Guest Blogger

Find out how the Tiahrt bill's sunset commissions would be very different from the Texas sunset commission.

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This Is Not Your Texas Sunset Commission

The Tiahrt bill's sunset commissions differ significantly from the widely touted model from Texas. Find out why.

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On the Ropes, On the Run? More Delays?

Jul 27, 2006 by Guest Blogger

So, is there a stumble in the race to a floor vote for the sunset bills? The Brady bill has already been pushed back to September. Now there are signs that the Tiahrt bill is likewise being pushed back.

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Delay, Times Two

Jul 27, 2006 by Guest Blogger

On the heels of the discovery that the Brady sunset commission bill has been delayed comes the news that the Tiahrt sunset commission bill is also delayed. The vote planned for today is being postponed, to tomorrow or possibly after the August recess. Any delay is a sign that grassroots calls and letters DO work. Keep the pressure on -- visit www.OMBWatch.org/files/sunset/action today!

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Memo to Editorial Boards on Federal Sunset Commission Legislation

Two proposals racing to a floor vote in Congress this week would create an un-elected, unaccountable sunset commission that could lead to serious consequences for programs that play vital roles in protecting the environment, public health, and safety, as well as programs that provide education, social services, and community development. A vote on these proposals is likely in the House on Thursday.

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Firefighters and Religious Groups Oppose Sunsets

Jul 26, 2006 by Amanda Adams*

The amount of organizations in opposition to sunset legislation has been continuously mounting. These efforts have advanced as groups are compiling unique letters to send to Congress addressing how a sunset commission would affect their programs and concerns. Voices of apprehension include organizations that span all areas of public interest and faith communities. This encouraging manifestation of written opposition shows that federal programs across-the-board will be vulnerable if sunset commission legislation moves forward.

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League of Conservation Voters Opposes Sunsets

Jul 26, 2006 by Guest Blogger

The League of Conservation Voters has come out against sunset commission legislation today and has announced it is strongly considering scoring the vote on the Tiahrt bill, H.R. 5766, tomorrow. From their letter to members of the House of Representatives: A broad range of programs fall under the purview of this commission. Grants to help state and local governments upgrade their sewer systems are at risk, as is funding for youth sports fields and parks, and even heating and weatherization assistance for the poor.

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Latest on Sunsets

Jul 26, 2006 by Guest Blogger

So things are a little different now. The Tiahrt bill is the only bill getting a vote this week. We have known for a while that the Tiahrt bill was the only one scheduled for the Rules Committee, but as of last night the rumors still were that the Brady bill would be appended to the Tiahrt bill as an amendment.

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