The Secret Service has created restricted areas to keep those actively opposing President Bush's policies from being seen during his public appearances. People have been arrested for stepping outside the designated free speech area, and one man was prosecuted in federal court. In South Carolina a long-time political activist was fined $500 for entering a restricted area during a presidential visit. Much like two people who were arrested for stepping onto the street in Atlanta, Brett Bursey, 55, was peacefully protesting.

OMB Watch encourages interested individuals to take part in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Stakeholder Dialogue Phase II that focuses on burden reduction options for the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program. The TRI is a flagship database that contains information about releases and transfers of toxic chemicals from manufacturing facilities. Since the establishment of TRI, the simple act of publicizing the amount toxic chemicals that facilities release has pressured companies to reduce these releases by more than half.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) today released their baseline budget estimates for 2005-2014. The analysis shows that in 2004 deficits will likely reach $477 billion - which is 4.2% of GDP - and that deficits will continue over the next decade, reaching a cumulative $1.9 trillion baseline over the next 10 years.

We are conducting an exciting new Internet survey that explores tax and budget issues and will be used in an offensive strategic campaign. Respondents have until Feb. 4 to complete the survey.