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 «Legislative»
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.
Congressional Budget Office Launches Topical Health Website
George Butterfield provides an overview of the new CBO website that hosts a wealth of government documents on health related issues.
The Government Domain: Back to School for Constitution Day 2007
For librarians and educators planning programs for Constitution Day, Peggy Garvin’s column links to a variety of web resources for online versions of the United States Constitution and related teaching materials.
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.
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.
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.