The Senate Rules Committee sent the nominations of four Federal Election Commission (FEC) commissioners to the full Senate floor, but did so without a recommendation to approve or reject the nominees after Rules Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) expressed concern that nominee Hans von Spakovsky was "not an unbiased individual." Von Spakovsky's confirmation hearing, in June focused on his time at the Justice Department. He has been accused of politicizing the department's voting rights section causing civil rights groups and many others to vigorously oppose his confirmation.

Today the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing to consider whether charitable organizations serve the needs of diverse communities. Click here for a witness list and testimony.

The Senate amended the State-Foreign Operations bill (HR 2764) to overturn existing policy, known as the "Mexico City" policy banning international aid for overseas groups that perform abortions or related services such as counseling. The underlying bill would have weakened the existing "Mexico City" policy by allowing the U.S. to provide condoms to organizations overseas, but the amendment passed with a 53-41 vote overturning the policy altogether.

Seen but not Heard: Strengthening Nonprofit Advocacy, provides new research findings about the extent of nonprofit advocacy while also detailing the barriers and incentives for nonprofits seeking to engage in various types of policy activities. OMB Watch's Gary D. Bass and Kay Guinane co-authored the book with David Arons and Matthew Carter, with assistance from Susan Rees. Seen but not Heard was published in August by the Aspen Institute. To order a copy, click here.