Lobbying Bills to See Floor Action Next Week

Mar 3, 2006 by Guest Blogger

We're hearing: The lobbying bills reported out of Rules and HSGAC are expected to be taken up in the chamber early next week. Two competing measures (S 2349, S 2128) are ready for floor action. It remains unclear whether the bills will be combined or considered separately.

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Online Freedom of Speech Act May See Consideration Next Week

Mar 3, 2006 by Guest Blogger

We are hearing that the House will be re-considering H.R. 1606, the Online Freedom of Speech Act, introduced by Rep. Hensarling, sometime next week. The bill would affirm the FEC's original decision to exclude the Internet from the definition of "public communications" under campaign finance law. The result would be to exclude the Internet from issues of soft money and illegal coordination. Congressional action would also point the FEC in the direction of a similar rulemaking. Daily Kos has more.

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Cop off the Beat

Mar 2, 2006 by Guest Blogger

The latest NYTimes article on MSHA should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed this administration's enforcement record; the Bush administration has reduced penalties for mine safety violations in order to better relations with industry. From the article: In its drive to foster a more cooperative relationship with mining companies, the Bush administration has decreased major fines for safety violations since 2001, and in nearly half the cases, it has not collected the fines, according to a data analysis by The New York Times.

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Report: U.S. Anti-Terrorism Policies Hurt Muslim Charities

A new report from OMB Watch explains concerns about the impact of the war on terror on Muslim charities, and provides a detailed update on the status of U.S.-based Muslim charities that have been shut down by the Treasury Department. Muslim Charities and the War on Terror: Top Ten Concerns and Status Update notes that, "Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, U.S.-based charities have become targets in the government's war on terror financing. Despite the sweeping implications for all domestic nonprofit organizations, the lion's share of the burden of increased scrutiny, suspicion, and pre-emptive action has fallen on Muslim groups. This imbalanced campaign raises significant legal and ethical questions." The report has been updated to reflect closure of another Muslim charity, on Feb. 19, 2006.

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Treasury Department Reports Deficit on an Accrual Basis

Mar 2, 2006 by Matthew Madia

The Treasury Department sent a report to Congress in December, reporting the FY05 federal deficit on an accrual basis as being $760 billion, a far higher number than $319 billion, which is what is generally accepted as the deficit level for FY05. The $319 billion number uses the government's accepted barometer of cash outlays versus revenues, while the $760 billion number takes into account accrued benefits owed to veterans and federal employees. Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN), a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, said:

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Temporary Travel Ban Moratorum? Pence Says Yes.

Mar 1, 2006 by Guest Blogger

From the Hill: Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, endorsed a temporary moratorium on privately funded travel during a closed-door meeting of House Republicans yesterday. The Pence endorsement is the first significant sign of support from conference conservatives for a temporary travel ban. Reportedly, although Majority Leader Boehner dismissed the idea initially, he said this week that "there is some merit to it". He is supportive of pre-approval of travel.

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What's Up With the Grassroots Lobbying Disclosure Provision?

Mar 1, 2006 by Guest Blogger

The bill that will be marked up tomorrow in HSGAC currently does not contain a grassroots lobbying disclosure. Reportedly, Sens. Leiberman and Levin will offer an amendment in committee to include grassroots lobbying disclosure. If that doesn't work, or is not allowed, Democrats are said to be planning on introducing an amendment on the floor. Why wasn't it included in the Chairman's Mark? According to the Hill:

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OMB Watch Statement on Lobby Reform

Mar 1, 2006 by Guest Blogger

Why is grassroots lobby disclosure good for nonprofits? Find out by reading our statenent on lobby reform and grassroots disclosure. While your at it, check out our resource center on lobby reform!

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Lobby Reform:Markup and Hearing Tomorrow!

Mar 1, 2006 by Guest Blogger

Don't forget! A Markup and a Hearing on Lobby Reform Tomorrow! House Rules Hearing: Time: 10:00 AM Location: H-313 The Capitol Senate HSGAC Markup: Time: 10:00 AM Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rm. 342 Marking up a substitute to S. 2128, Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act of 2005

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GAO Reports: Paperwork Reduction Act

A compendium of GAO Reports related to the Paperwork Reduction Act and information management policy.

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