Here is Mondays look at transparency-related news items, this week’s congressional committee hearings, and transparency-related bills introduced in Congress last Friday.
News roundup:
- President Obama has reportedly selected Solicitor General Elena Kagan as his choice to replace Justice Stevens on the Supreme Court. Here is some background on Kagan. (SCOTUSblog)
- Campaign finance news:
- In an advisory opinion, the Federal Election Commission has determined that members of Congress can raise unlimited amounts of soft money for legal expenses related to congressional redistricting. (The Washington Post)
- In the wake of Citizens United, it is still not clear what effect the ruling will have on campaign fundraising or which party will benefit more from it. (National Journal)($)
- Attorney Eric Wang argues that revolving door legislation restricting lobbyists from working in government and vice versa will prevent whistleblowers with important knowledge from joining regulatory agencies. (Roll Call)($)
- The Washington Post editorializes in favor of a bill to eliminate secret holds in the Senate. (The Washington Post)
Relevant committee hearings scheduled for the week of 5/10 5/14:
Senate:
- None
House:
- To continue hearings on H.R. 5175, Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act, Committee on House Administration, Tuesday, May 11, 5 p.m., Longworth-1310
Relevant bills introduced 5/7:
Senate:
- None
House:
- None
