Government Matters Articles

OMB Finalizes Changes to Regulatory Decision-Making

OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) issued final guidance today that instructs federal agencies on specific analytical methods for regulatory decisions. This guidance, which contains few substantive changes from the draft version released in February, commits to put “more emphasis on cost-effectiveness analysis as well as benefit-cost analysis” than the Clinton-era guidance it replaces -- raising the bar on new health, safety and environmental protections. Specifically, the guidance:

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    APPROPRIATIONS UPDATE - MISSING THE DEADLINE AGAIN

    FY 2004 appropriations unlikely to be completed by the start of the new budget year.

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    Americans are Worried about the President and his $87 Billion Request for Iraq

    Recent polls indicate that Americans are growing increasing worried about the Administration's handling of a number of issues.

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    Economy and Jobs Watch: Political Business Cycle?

    Economy and Jobs Watch Update

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    Internet Tax Bites the Dust in the House

    The moratorium on state taxation of Internet services is likely to be extended.

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    Digging Ourselves out of the $7 Trillion National Debt

    The growing national debt and deficits as far as the eye can see prompt varied reactions.

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    GAO Report Indicates Less FOIA Information Under Ashcroft

    Federal agencies are limiting public access because of a 2001 memo from Attorney General John Ashcroft, according to a congressional watchdog agency. The General Accounting Office (GAO) released a report saying, a significant percentage of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officers have reduced the amount of information available to the public because of Attorney General John Ashcroft’s infamous October 2001 memo. Ashcroft’s memo instructed agencies to exercise greater caution in disclosing information requested under FOIA.

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    Soft Electioneering vs. Issue Advocacy: Where is the Line?

    On September 8 the Supreme Court heard arguments in the case challenging the constitutionality of the new campaign finance law, officially called Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA). The major issues argued were restrictions on “electioneering communications” and soft money contributions to political parties. The arguments illustrated the difficulty in drawing the line between genuine issue ads meant to impact legislation and campaign ads.

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    OMB Asks for Comments on Proposed Changes to Audit Form

    Nonprofits that get federal grants have an opportunity to suggest ways audit forms can be streamlined for reports auditors make to them and reports grantees must submit to the federal government. A Federal Register notice invites comments on changes proposed for current audit forms, including the SF-SAC and single audit reporting packages. Comments are due on or before October 14.

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    Charitable Giving Bills Headed to Conference Committee

    On September 17 the House passed legislation with tax breaks for charitable giving. The bill, the Charitable Giving Act of 2003 (H.R. 7), is now headed to a conference committee with the Senate. The Senate passed a similar bill, the CARE Act (Charity Aid Recovery and Empowerment Act, S. 476), last spring. In addition to tax breaks for contributions to charities, H.R. 7 provides money for a Compassion Capital Fund, simplification of lobbying rules for charities, reduction in excise taxes for foundations, and authority for states to transfer money from welfare to social service programs. This article includes a summary of the major provisions of H.R. 7, a look at how it compares to the Senate bill, the controversial issues facing the Conference Committee and the administration's position.

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