Government

Senate Panel: Health and Safety Regs Vanish in Black Hole of OMB

For a decade now, the WatchDog has been telling the story of how the Office of Management and Budget sandbags public health regs, at the behest of business groups who stand to profit, by short-circuiting open legal procedures meant to ensure government integrity. The next chapter was told October 25, 2013, before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight, Federal Rights and Agency Action.

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Words Versus Deeds: Obama's National Action Plan for Openness

On October 31, 2013, the White House issued a preview of its "Second Open Government National Action Plan," outlining some steps it hopes to take toward more transparent government. Is it a new direction for an administration whose words on openness have often not been matched by deeds — or a misdirection?

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Energy Dept. Takes Reins at Bonneville Power Authority After Scandal

"The Energy Department is tightening its control over the Bonneville Power Administration in the wake of a scandal over BPA's illegal hiring practices."

Environmental Politics

Source: Greenwire, 10/28/2013

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"Tea Party Republicans, Obama Back Waterway Projects Bill"

"The U.S. House voted to authorize commercial navigation, flood control and environmental restoration projects, work that could cost taxpayers as much as $8.2 billion over the next decade."

Activism

Environmental Politics

Source: Bloomberg, 10/24/2013

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Report Slams Obama Administration Secrecy

You may call that government official a "source" — but to the Obama administration he or she is an "Insider Threat" subject to lie detector tests, wiretapping, and criminal prosecution. That's the conclusion of a new report by former Washington Post Executive Editor Len Downie, published by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

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Canadian Scientists Can't Speak Freely: Survey

Eighty-six percent of the 4,069 scientists surveyed by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada said "that, if faced with a political decision putting public health, safety or the environment at risk, they do not believe they could speak out without repercussions."

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"Neugebauer Apologizes for Berating Park Ranger At WWII Memorial"

"Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) apologized Thursday for scolding a park ranger over keeping the World War II Memorial closed during the government shutdown."

Environmental Politics

Government

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National (U.S.)

Source: The Hill, 10/21/2013

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"Republicans Back Down, Ending Crisis Over Shutdown and Debt Limit"

"Congressional Republicans conceded defeat on Wednesday in their bitter budget fight with President Obama over the new health care law as the House and Senate approved last-minute legislation ending a disruptive 16-day government shutdown and extending federal borrowing power to avert a financial default with potentially worldwide economic repercussions."

Government

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National (U.S.)

Source: NY Times, 10/17/2013

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FDA Confirms All Routine Food Safety Inspections Stopped in Shutdown

"The Food and Drug Administration has been forced to suspend all routine food safety inspections for the duration of the government shutdown, FDA spokesman Steven Immergut confirmed to The Huffington Post on Friday afternoon. Until funding is restored, the FDA will be inspecting only those facilities that it has cause to believe 'present an immediate threat to public health.'"

Source: Huffington Post, 10/14/2013

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"USDA Won't Close Plants in Salmonella Outbreak"

"The Department of Agriculture will not close the California chicken-processing plants linked to a nationwide outbreak of antibiotic-resistant salmonella, officials said."

Source: USA TODAY, 10/11/2013