Government Matters Articles

Whistleblower Says OSHA Blocked Testing of Inspectors Exposed to Toxic Metal

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has refused to provide blood tests to 500 current and former inspectors who may have been exposed to beryllium, a highly toxic metal, despite recommendations from scientific and medical staff, according to an agency regional administrator.

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Administration Issues Watered-Down Food Import Rules

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued watered-down standards requiring food importers to provide advanced notice of shipments bound for the United States. The standards were mandated by the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, which was passed in response to concerns about terrorist attacks on the nation’s food supply.

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The Deficit As a Serious Problem

Like the Reagan administration, the Bush administration continues to describe the budget deficit as a manageable problem and presents a rosy picture in which deficits will soon diminish. But like the Reagan administration these comments are far from reality.

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Jobs Picture Still Not Looking Good

On Friday, the Bush administration received what initially appeared to be good news on the economic front with its monthly release on employment. In September, the unemployment rate was unchanged from August at 6.1%, and there was a net gain of 57,000 jobs. The good news was that this was the first net gain in jobs in seven months. However, the jobs data continue to indicate that, in all likelihood, the Bush administration will likely be the first since Hoover’s to have a net job contraction during its tenure.

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OMB Watch Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary by Honoring Public Interest Heroes

OMB Watch celebrates its 20th Anniversary on October 9, 2003. In honor of our banner year event, the board of directors and staff have established two recognition efforts. The Public Interest Hall of Fame recognizes 12 "unsung heroes" whose everyday work makes a difference in pursuing government accountability, citizen participation or social justice. These were selected from more than 70 nominations. The Public Interest Rising Star Award acknowledges the outstanding, dedicated work of three younger leaders and encourages their continued participation in the public interest.

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Suit Challenges Secret Service Protest Zones

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), representing four national advocacy groups, filed a federal suit against the Secret Service on Sept. 23.

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Despite Efforts to Delay, DUNS Number Requirement Goes into Effect

Don't forget that all organizations that apply for federal grants must have a DUNS number on their applications beginning last Wednesday, October 1. If you do not have a DUNS number see our DUNS Number Fact Sheet.

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International NGOs are Gagged From Saving Lives

A study released on Sept. 24 reports that President Bush’s ideologies are once again trumping science, this time closing down international family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention programs.

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Workforce Investment Act Passes through Senate Committee Without Religious Discrimination Provision

Senate Committee ignores the House's version of the Workforce Investment Act and passes its own version. The House’s Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act gives approval to faith-based charities to discriminate based on religious affiliation when hiring staff for federal job training programs. The bill, H.R. 1261 removes Title VII language of the Civil Rights Act to allow religious discrimination in hiring for federal job-training programs. If H.R. 1261 becomes law it will be an unprecedented repeal of civil rights laws.

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Offsets, Child Tax Credit Make CARE Act Fate Uncertain

Although legislation promoting charitable giving has passed both houses of Congress this year, it could still be derailed in conference committee. There are major differences over whether or not to include offsets that pay the cost of tax breaks for charitable giving. Further complications were added last week when Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) proposed attaching the child tax credit provision to the bill that House Republican leaders strongly oppose. The move could either bring the child tax credit issue back to life or bog down the charitable giving legislation.

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