OMB Watch just sent out invitations to the launch of FedSpending.org, the database of Federal funding and awards that is something of a model for the Federal Financial Transparency and Accountability Act (FFATA), formerly known as bill S.2590. I can't attend but anyone who's interested should read below.
Join Us Oct. 10, as OMB Watch and the Center for Responsive Politics Draw the Curtain Back on Federal Spending and Congressional Conduct!
Do you want to make the most informed decisions possible on Election Day? Do you want to see which programs and agencies get the most federal dollars? How about which contractors or congressional districts?
We're unveiling a tool that will help you do just that.
Join us for what will be an extraordinary moment for good, accountable government. Participate in a live webcast on Oct. 10, 2006, 9:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, when OMB Watch will launch its much anticipated online database allowing you to search, aggregate and analyze all federal spending, FedSpending.org.
Also during the webcast, the Center for Responsive Politics will release two new online databases that will be made available on their government transparency mainstay OpenSecrets.org. The first will allow users to see overviews of members' net worth and holdings, and learn how many members own stock in pharmaceutical firms and oil companies, for instance. The second gives updated information on the lavish trips taken by members and their staffs that are financed by third parties--in many cases special interests with business before Congress.
When: LIVE Tuesday, October 10, 2006, 9:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Where to view it: http://www.ConnectLive.com/events/sunlightfoundation
What you'll need: Windows Media Player (free download available here) or Real Player (free download available here)
eReminder: Sign up to receive a reminder shortly before the webcast!
I've just spend some time on the fedspending.org site and there is a lot to discover there.
What's your take on WashingtonWatch.com? (www.washingtonwatch.com) It's got lists of bills that are pending in terms of costs to individuals. Could be helpful for getting at massive defense spending, Haliburton, and such.
Posted by: Brandon El | October 10, 2006 at 11:21
Anything that provides more transparency to the whole lawmaking process is definitely a good thing! I do wonder how the cost estimates are generated...
Posted by: Dave | October 11, 2006 at 17:12
My understanding is they take the CBO cost estimates for bills and divide by the U.S. population.
my two cents: this is a really bad way to judge legislation. It suggests that each individual person is paying that amount out of their pocket to fund a program. If people do not feel they are directly benefiting from the program, they will judge it unnecessary.
Unfortunately, that is not how our governmental system is constructed. We all contribute resources for a large variety of programs that benefit different segments of our communities. You don't get to pick and choose individual programs you think are worthwhile and only contribute taxes to those.
Posted by: Adam Hughes | October 20, 2006 at 21:23
btw, the site is also misleading because it double counts a lot of spending. For instance, the first two items on their "most costly" list are the same spending. The defense appropriations bill total is included in the budget resolution already. This site makes it seem we are spending much more money per person than we are.
Similarly, authorization bills don't actually spend money - they simply authorize it. So counting both appropriations bills and authorization bills together is double counting.
Posted by: Adam Hughes | October 20, 2006 at 21:26