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Message to the New Congress

OpenTheGovernment.org Message to the New Congress

We welcome the incoming 110th Congress. We hope that they and the President recognize that the elections were as much about improving government transparency and accountability as they were about changing course. More than 40% of voters indicated in exit polls that corruption and scandals in government were very important in their voting decisions.

IS THERE A "SECRET HOLD" ON THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL?

From Society of Environmental Journalists: WatchDog TipSheet item

Publication date: Nov. 3, 2006

IS THERE A "SECRET HOLD" ON THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL?

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill on Sept. 21 that would greatly strengthen government openness - but one sponsor suspects it is being blocked by a parliamentary device called a "secret hold."

Comment on NRC proposed rule

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposed a new rule (published in the Federal Register on October 31, 2006) on protection of "Safeguards Information" (SGI), a type of Sensitive But Unclassified information (SBU). Read NRC's press release on the proposed rule. The notice of the proposed rule is available here in the Federal Register.

Save EPA Libraries!

Save EPA Libraries!
[An Action Alert from the American Library Association Washington Office]
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CALL BOTH OF YOUR SENATORS IMMEDIATELY AND ASK THEM TO SIGN ONTO the Boxer- Lautenberg "Dear Colleague" letter asking the Senate Appropriations Committee to direct EPA to maintain access and research expertise at ALL of EPA's regional and headquarter libraries until the Agency solicits adequate public and Congressional input.

Policy and News Updates for October 24, 2006


Policy Updates

[new] FEMA omits Everglades in flood map
The Everglades Agricultural Area, one of Florida's lowest lying wetland areas, is not included on the floodplain maps of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), according to documents released by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).

DVD on Government Secrecy Conference Released

Contact: Patrice McDermott or Emily Feldman, 202-332-6736 A DVD examining the issues of government secrecy is now available for purchase on the Special Library Association (SLA) website for the cost of $25 (USD). Titled, "Are We Safer in the Dark, A Sunshine Week National Dialogue On Open Government & Secrecy," the DVD is a recording of a national teleconference held during Sunshine Week and produced through a collaboration of national organizations dedicated to open government.

Featured Partner

The Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrects.org) tracks money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy.

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