Economic Research Suffers in Bush Proposed Budget

Mar 21, 2007 by Matthew Madia

A report by EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) points out President Bush's budget request proposes a cut in funding devoted to economic research at EPA. In this case, the research is needed to develop cost-benefit analyses which in turn are needed to promulgate regulations. The proposed budget calls for a 58 percent cut in funding for what the report calls "Economics and Decision Sciences." EPA would consolidate offices and personnel to accomplish the cut. From the report: SAB is concerned that consolidation might actually decrease the amount of economics research at EPA and also impede the development of a high quality research portfolio in behavioral social and decision sciences. The White House consistently claims that economic factors should be paramount in the regulatory process, but this proposed cut belies their rhetoric. President Bush is not concerned with how regulations might improve the economic standing of the American people. He is only concerned with delaying regulations so that corporate interests will benefit.

read in full

"Look closely at the grassroots"

Mar 21, 2007 by Amanda Adams*

In case anyone is perplexed about the details surrounding the complex debate on grassroots lobbying disclosure, be sure to read this op-ed in The Hill written by OMB Watch Executive Director Gary Bass. The piece points out one fact often missed by opponents, that unions and charities have both disclosed their grassroots activity for years without any chilling effect. "A better way to approach grassroots lobbying disclosure is to require all actors who meet defined thresholds to disclose their grassroots lobbying activity. This can be done without burdening small groups."

read in full

Watcher: March 20, 2007

Mar 21, 2007 by Dana Chasin

Contracting Reform Bills Move in CongressCongress is moving forward on bills to reform the federal contracting system, as the House approved a bill that improves contracting procedures, and the Senate introduced a comprehensive contract reform bill. House Panel Passes $124 Billion Supplemental BillOn March 19, the Bush administration said it would veto a supplemental appropriations bill being readied for a House vote on March 22.

read in full

Supplemental Resources -- the Iraq Spending Bill

Mar 20, 2007 by Dana Chasin

The House is heading for a floor vote, probably late this Thursday, March 22, on the now-$124.1 billion supplemental appropriations package -- the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act. At this point, it is seen as a vehicle for a Democratic message regarding withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq as much as a spending bill providing a record $100 billion in supplemental war funds. As the time draws nigh, we thought these resources would be helpful:
  • Where the Vote Count Stands in the House: Iraq vote hangs by thread

read in full

Look closely at the grassroots

By Gary D. Bass, OMB Watch
Published in the March 19, 2007 edition of The Hill
We see and hear the ads all the time: "Call your senators today and tell them to oppose this bill!" Have you ever wondered where those messages come from, who pays for them and who creates them? Sometimes, the groups sponsoring the television commercials, newspaper spreads, or evening phone calls will come right out and tell you exactly who they are. Often, however, those behind such communications, called grassroots lobbying, don't provide us with the information we need to figure out who the messenger really is.

read in full

CBPP: Tax Cuts Bad For The Economy

Mar 20, 2007 by Matt Lewis

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is arguing that repealing the tax cuts would be good for the economy. Bush & Co. like to claim that the tax cuts are magic, and that failing to extend them will be a disaster for the economy. They're wrong, and it's great that CBPP is pointing this out.

read in full

Consumer Protection Agency Reaches out through Email Campaign

Mar 20, 2007 by Matthew Madia

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, an independent federal agency, has launched an excellent campaign to inform consumers of product recalls. The "Drive to 1 million" aims to subscribe one million Americans to CPSC's email notifications. The emails alert subscribers to recalls of dangerous or potentially dangerous products. Sign up for free at www.cpsc.gov.

read in full

Open Government Legislation the Focus of Sunshine Week

Sunshine Week is an annual effort by the media, civic groups, libraries, universities, legislators and others to highlight the importance of open government. During this year's Sunshine Week (March 11-17), many legislative proposals to increase government oversight and transparency moved forward in Congress. The bills address contractor responsibility, environmental information, Freedom of Information Act reform, whistleblower protections, and other important aspects of an open and accountable government. Contractor Responsibility

read in full

Journalist Audit Underscores Lack of Transparency

An audit by journalist groups found that public access to Comprehensive Emergency Response Plans (CERP), as required by law, was inconsistent and unreliable around the country. Only 44 percent of the requests for the CERP were granted in full, whereas 20 percent were partially released and 36 percent were completely denied.

read in full

Report Finds Underreporting and Abuse of USA PATRIOT Act Powers

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the Department of Justice (DOJ) reported on March 9 that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been systematically underreporting National Security Letter (NSL) requests and has repeatedly violated federal law and agency policies in collecting personal information. The report unleashed a firestorm on the Hill, with calls for reform of the USA PATRIOT Act.

read in full

Pages

  • ©2015 Center for Effective Government
  • All Rights Reserved.
  • This an archive site of the materials produced by the Center for Effective Government (formerly OMB Watch) and is maintained by the Project On Government Oversight.