Transparency bill overcomes ‘secret’ holds
By AIMEE CURL
September 08, 2006
federaltimes.com
The Senate has approved a bill to create a searchable database of all federal grants and contracts following weeks of public outcry over anonymous holds put on the measure. It was revealed in late August that the holds were placed by Sens. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, and Robert Byrd, D-W.Va.
Senate rules permit any senator to anonymously block consideration of a bill on the floor, an action that often results in the death of a measure. But word that a bill to promote government transparency had met this fate prompted bloggers and watchdog groups to mount a campaign to uncover the “secret” senator or senators.
Stevens, who said he had concerns about the legislation’s cost, lifted his hold last week. Byrd, who said he was concerned the bill was not thoroughly debated, lifted his hold on the bill a week earlier. The Senate approved the bill, S 2590, Sept. 7. The House approved a similar measure in June, but its version of the database would only track information on grants.
“Tonight in the Senate, fiscal responsibility won,” Sen. Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn. said in a statement. “A tremendous effort from the blogosphere and our constituents, and the patience and cooperation of colleagues, led us to take this healthy step forward when it comes to responsible federal spending.”
Email: acurl@federaltimes.com
=========================
Great bill! Simple, cheap, and cost effective.
Putting information in the hands of the people is always good. |
