Government Matters Articles

Failing Grade on Chemical Security

As the former 9/11 Commission issued failing grades on the government's preparedness for another terrorist attack, a new draft of chemical security legislation is being circulated by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME). The bill establishes authority for the Department of Homeland Security to regulate the security plans of U.S. chemical plants. Unfortunately, if its current language remains, the bill will fail to make communities safer from either terrorist attacks or chemical accidents.

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Fight to Save the Toxics Release Inventory Heats Up

Since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans on Sept. 21 to reduce TRI chemical release reporting, the agency has faced an ever-growing flurry of criticism and opposition. The program receives tremendous support, because for nearly 20 years it has been an essential tool in addressing environmental and public health concerns. In response to EPA's proposals to cut reporting on TRI chemical releases, in order to eliminate paperwork for reporting companies, individuals and organization have expressed outrage and begun to rally around the program.

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Patriot Act Negotiations Come to a Head

With the deadline fast approaching for renewal of USA PATRIOT Act powers, lawmakers appeared unable to reach an agreement. Senate Democrats are proposing to give Congress another 90 days to negotiate before controversial provisions expire this year, while Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) is calling for renewal before Congress leaves this year.

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2005's Information Bunny Hop

Over the years many have compared politics and policy formation through our democratic process to a dance between competing viewpoints. Unfortunately for public access to government information, the dance in 2005 closely resembled an old-fashioned bunny hop, involving two steps back for every one step forward. One hop forward.

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    Year in Review: More Poor Budgetary Stewardship

    When it came to tax and budget issues, 2005 was an overwhelmingly disappointing year in the nation's capital. Facing long-term challenges and numerous obstacles, both President Bush and the U.S. Congress seemed to suffer from a severe case of disconnectedness from the fiscal and economic realities that should have moved them toward more rational, healthy tax and budget policies.

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    Secrecy Endangers Biodefense Effort

    The ultra-secretive agency proposed to lead the nation's effort against biological attacks and national threats posed by pandemics may have to be less secretive if Congress is going to give its approval. You read it right: Congress is balking at approving too much secrecy.

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    A Year of Attacks on Advocacy, Flawed Anti-Terrorism Measures

    According to a survey of Louisiana residents released last month by Louisiana State University, faith-based organizations and nonprofits got higher marks than government for their hurricane recovery efforts. While not surprising given the abysmal government response, the findings raise larger questions about the role of the federal government in providing resources to the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits face major long-term budget challenges at the federal level that will continue to make it more difficult to serve the people and missions they exist to serve.

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    Nonprofits Urged to Comment on Proposed IRS Exemption from Privacy Act

    The Internal Revenue Service is proposing a new Privacy Act system of records exempt from release for Tax Exempt and Government Entities (TE/GE) case management, which could have implications for audited 501(c)(3) organizations.

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    A Letter from Gary Bass

    Dear OMB Watcher, Even as 2005 draws to a close, we here at OMB Watch are gearing up for 2006, developing a game plan for the upcoming year, knowing that our work of advocating for improved government accountability and citizen participation will remain vitally important in the coming year.

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    Tax Cuts: The Final Melee

    Continuing its trend of bucking compassion and fiscal responsibility in lieu of tax cuts for the wealthy, the House of Representatives voted last week to pass the $56 billion reconciliation tax bill. This vote, which came on the heels of the vote to save money by slashing mandatory spending, culminated what seemed to be a month of illogical, hypocritical voting.

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