House Approves Database of Government Contracts

[babylonsister]

HOUSE APPROVES DATABASE OF GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

The House of Representatives approved a bill to establish a publicly
searchable database of federally-funded grants and contracts. The
Senate adopted the measure last week, and the White House indicated
that the President would sign it.

"This bill would require the Office of Management and Budget to
create a Web site listing all grant awards and contracts in a manner
that would be easily accessible and free of charge. In a nutshell,
this is about information to taxpayers about how their
hard-earned dollars are being spent," said Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA).

"The legislation we are passing today is not comprehensive reform; it
will not restore honesty and accountability in government," said
Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA). "It's a modest, bipartisan step in the
direction of open government. But in the climate we're currently in,
even a small step forward is worth supporting and celebrating."

See the September 13 House floor debate on the Federal Funding
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006:

http://www.fas.org/sgp/congress/2006/ffata-house.html

[seafan]

1. Isn't this the bill that Sen Ted Stevens tried to block anonymously?

Until determined bloggers/net investigators exposed him, that is.

This is a good start in the long journey to accountability for these thieves.

[babylonsister]

2. Yes, it is. Small steps for our side, as Waxman noted, but we'll

take what we can get!

[wicket]

3. The one and only

n/t