CongressLine by GalleryWatch.com: The Earmark Reality
Paul Jenks offers insights into the procedures by which Congressional earmarks are used to inject opinions and priorities, great and small, into the governing process.
Category «Congress»
Commentary on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program
Beth Wellington examines the contentious battle currently underway, on the state and federal level, over increasing health care coverage for non-insured children throughout our country.
CongressLine by Gallerywatch.com: Votes and Whips
Paul Jenks explains voting, a finely orchestrated legislative process that is full of arcane and ancient precedents and many mechanisms to get around the rules.
Commentary: The Protect America Act and Legislation Related to the Domestic Surveillance Program
Beth Wellington’s commentary examines the rapid introduction and passage of the Protect America Act, and the impact of related legislation on civil liberties in America.
FOIA Facts: Two Steps Forward, (At Least) One Step Back
Scott A. Hodes highlights the status of FOIA legislation in Congress as well as recent White House imposed hurdles to public access to government documents.
Commentary on the Clean Water Protection Act
Beth Wellington explains why this legislation is supported by a range of public interest groups and individuals.
CongressLine by Gallerywatch.com – Checks on Power
Paul Jenks’ commentary addresses the role and power of the President as an independent executive within the context of the inherent check and balances exercised by the Congress.
The Government Domain: Tracking Federal Dollars
Peggy Garvin reviews the strengths, weaknesses and range of source material offered by several free online federal contracts and awards information databases.
FOIA Facts: Are Ombudsman The Answer?
Scott A. Hodes maintains that there are pros and cons to setting up an ombudsman’s office, and the overall scheme may not be the answer in resolving the number of disputes that arise in the disclosure of public records.
Commentary: Labor Protections and the Role of Card-Check Agreements
Beth Wellington reviews the background and legislation associated with card check-off campaigns to establish union representation, as well as the current political and corporate positions.