FACT SHEET What would H.R. 235 do?

On Oct. 14, the Federal Election Commission’s (FEC) general counsel wrote to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asking that PACs and political parties be exempt from new rules (which take effect in January 2005) that require advance permission before sending “unsolicited fax advertisements.” The FEC letter noted that the Telecommunications Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) defines an “unsolicited fax advertisement” as commercial speech only, and that political fundraising should be exempt on First Amendment grounds.

On Oct. 30, OMB Watch filed comments on proposed rules for religious organizations that receive grants under the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The comments object to rule changes that would allow religious discrimination in hiring for federally funded positions and permit religious content in service programs. The comments also called for stronger accountability standards. Click here to read the full text of the comments.

FAQ’s on Finding and Applying for Federal Grants on Grants.gov Q: What is Grants.gov? A: Grants.gov is the federal E-Grants website where applicants may find and apply to federal funding opportunities. Q: When will organizations be able to find all federal grants announcements online through Grants.gov? A: Beginning November 7, 2003 all federal agencies are required to post their grant announcements online with www.Grants.gov. See OMB’s final policy directive. Q: When will Grants.gov launch the Apply site?