New CRS Report (R40897):
This report, which will be updated as events warrant, provides an overview and analysis of issues related to the processing and distribution of congressional information by the Government Printing Office. Subsequent sections address several issues, including funding congressional printing, printing authorizations, current printing practices, and options for Congress. Finally, the report provides [...]
Archive of entries posted on November 2009
CRS Report: Congressional Printing: Background and Issues for Congress
EFF Obtains Records from Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations on Telecom Immunity
From the Electronic Frontier Foundation:
Today the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) posted thousands of pages of records detailing behind-the-scenes negotiations between government agencies and Congress about providing immunity for telecoms involved in illegal government surveillance.
The documents include drafts of legislation and communications between Congress and the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Director [...]
House Judiciary Committee Approves Strong PATRIOT Act Reform
From OMB Watch:
In a 16-10 party-line vote on Nov. 5, the House Committee on the Judiciary approved H.R. 3845, the USA PATRIOT Amendments Act of 2009. The legislation contains several important reforms of controversial surveillance powers granted in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Republicans on the committee claimed that “the legislation would hinder [...]
House Committee Marks Up State Secrets Bill, Sends It to the Floor
From OMB Watch:
On Nov. 5, the House Judiciary Committee began markups on a bill that would codify standards for when and how the executive branch may apply the state secrets privilege in civil litigation. Although the Obama administration has promised certain limitations on its own use of the privilege, civil liberties and open government groups [...]
When it comes to making data sexy, you can’t be too graphic
From CNN:
The good news: data from governments and other organizations is increasingly open and online. The bad news: it’s rather dull.
The result? A booming interest in data visualization, which can transform boring stats into compelling graphical presentations explaining our world.
Recap: cracking open US courtrooms
From The Guardian:
The legal system is often accused of lagging behind the technological curve – indeed, it is only a couple of years since a high court judge made headlines by saying: “I don’t really understand what a website is.” He later said that the remarks were taken out of context.
Once in a while, however, [...]
State Senate Records Get More Transparent
From the New York Observer:
The New York State Senate’s chief information officer team just launched an early version of their Open Legislation Portal today.
The site allows users to search for bills by sponsor, committee, recent actions, and recent votes. You can also search by keyword, like, say, “bicycle” and find relevant bills and data available [...]
Federal Reserve Says Judge Erred in Requiring Bank Disclosure
From Bloomberg:
The Federal Reserve said a U.S. judge erred in ruling that the central bank should identify companies that received emergency loans last year, according to court papers filed to overturn the decision.
U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska improperly used the standard of “imminent harm” to a borrower’s competitive position rather than a lesser standard of [...]
Governor’s Office Considering Closing the State Library of Massachusetts
From SLA’s Public Policy blog:
At a press conference on 29 October the Governor’s Office announced that Governor Patrick is considering closing the State Library of Massachusetts as a cost-saving measure. The State Library of Massachusetts now has an online petition to collect support to ensure that these collections remain freely accessible to all members of [...]
EU Breaks Deadlock in Debate Over Right to Internet Access
From PC World:
After months of often bitter debate, European Union lawmakers reached agreement on how to preserve citizen’s rights to Internet access in a meeting that ended in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The issue, which pits citizens’ civil liberties against the rights of content owners such as record and movie companies to protect creative [...]