POGO and Partners Submit Recommendations to DNI on Intelligence and National Security Whistleblower Protections

POGO and partners submitted comments to the Director of National Intelligence on the implementation of whistleblower protections across the agencies urging key reforms.

We Need To Know: POGO and Partners Send Letter Asking the US Government to Be More Open About National Security-Related Mass Surveillance

A group of transparency organizations writes the United States Government to urge greater transparency around national security-related requests to Internet, telephone, and web-based service providers for information about their users and subscribers.

POGO Sends FOIA Request to ODNI on Whistleblower Protections

I am making this request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. Section 552. Please provide records that have been provided to or maintained by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) or for ODNI by a government contractor in any format, including an electronic format, which is preferred, if available.

POGO Submits Comments on OPM and ODNI Designation of National Security Positions

As OPM and ODNI release rules on the designation of national security positions, POGO argues that the rulemaking is premature and should be suspended.

Proposed Protections for Sexual Assault Victims and Military Whistleblowers Long Overdue

Legislation introduced Thursday by U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and co-sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) would strengthen military whistleblower protections and shield victims of sexual assault from reprisals. These much needed protections are long overdue.

POGO and Partners Urge Senate to Oppose Grassley's Amendments to the Farm Bill

POGO and partners urge Senators to oppose Grassley's amendments (901, 1011, and 1097) to the Farm Bill (S. 954) that would undermine the Freedom of Information Act by creating an unnecessary secrecy provision.

POGO and Allies Urge President Obama to Rein In Overclassification

The undersigned organizations, which support greater openness in government, urge you to promptly establish and provide active White House leadership for a Security Classification Reform Steering Committee to help correct what you have called “the problem of overclassification.”

Testimony of POGO's Angela Canterbury on Transparency and Accountability

It is particularly a pleasure to be here again during “Sunshine Week” when we promote open government and celebrate “sunshine laws” such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Unfortunately, I cannot say that there has been tremendous progress on government openness since I last testified before you on this subject two years ago. The state of openness in our government is not simply put—it is complex and rife with contradictions.

POGO and Over 40 Government Transparency Organizations Thank Oversight Committee for Prioritizing FOIA

The undersigned organizations, concerned with government openness and accountability, are writing to thank you and share our support for your work to hold agencies accountable for implementation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Your February 4th, 2013 letter to the Office of Information Policy at the Department of Justice poses important questions regarding OIP’s role in government-wide FOIA policy implementation, compliance, and enforcement.

POGO and Over 40 Government Transparency Organizations Write to the President about Improving FOIA

The undersigned organizations, concerned with government openness and accountability, are writing to ask you to bring renewed attention to issues that continue to plague government-wide implementation, compliance, and enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Advocates Laud President Obama’s Signing of Federal Whistleblower Reforms

President Obama signed the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA, S. 743) into law today, marking the finale of a more than decade-long campaign by the Make It Safe Coalition to restore and modernize federal whistleblower protections. The President’s unwavering support of the WPEA, paired with Congress’ sweeping endorsement by unanimous consent, demonstrates the strong mandate for a new day of accountability in the federal government.

An Open Letter to the Senate in Support of More Protections for Whistleblowers and Taxpayer Dollars

We the undersigned organizations write with our strong support for Amendment 2942 to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (NDAA), introduced by Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO). Based on the Non-Federal Employee Whistleblower Protection Act of 2011 (S. 241, H.R. 6406), this amendment would bridge the wide gaps in current coverage and comprehensively apply best-practice whistleblower protections to all federal fund recipient employees.

Advocates Laud President Obama’s Signing of Federal Whistleblower Reforms

President Obama signed the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA, S. 743) into law today, marking the finale of a more than decade-long campaign by the Make It Safe Coalition to restore and modernize federal whistleblower protections. The President’s unwavering support of the WPEA, paired with Congress’ sweeping endorsement by unanimous consent, demonstrates the strong mandate for a new day of accountability in the federal government. These reforms expand protections for federal employees who disclose wrongdoing and protect the public trust.

POGO and Allies Stand with Wyden and His Hold on Anti-Speech "Anti-Leaks" Provisions

The undersigned organizations, concerned with government openness and accountability, are writing to thank you for delaying floor action on the Intelligence Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013. We share Senator Ron Wyden’s (D-Ore) concerns about provisions included in the package intended to address the leaks of highly classified information (Title V), and support his effort to see that the bill is not passed without thoughtful debate and amendment.

After More Than a Decade, Congress Finally Sends Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act to President Obama for Signature

Finally—after more than a decade of advocacy—Congress has enacted better protections for the brave truth-tellers who safeguard taxpayer dollars. Today, the Senate unanimously passed the long-beleaguered Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA, S. 743, as amended by the House).

POGO's Picks for the Best of the House and Senate NDAAs

We understand your staff members are currently engaged in conversations about how to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (NDAA, H.R. 4310 and S. 3254) in advance of the upcoming lame duck legislative session. To help inform your discussions, we have identified specific provisions we hope you will include in the final bill that reaches the President’s desk for signature.

POGO Joins in Recommendations to Romney on Crisis Management

As you know all too well, we live in a world where crises are unpredictable and unavoidable. Whether it is a catastrophic oil spill, an overwhelming weather event, a terrorist attack, or a major outbreak of food-borne illness, we rely on our government to help us cope.

POGO Joins in Recommendations to Obama on Crisis Management

As you know all too well, we live in a world where crises are unpredictable and unavoidable. Whether it is a catastrophic oil spill, an overwhelming weather event, a terrorist attack, or a major outbreak of food-borne illness, we rely on our government to help us cope.

House Passes Federal Whistleblower Bill, S. 743

We applaud today’s House passage of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, S. 743 as amended (WPEA).

POGO and 168 Diverse Groups Support Swift Action to Restore Strong, Comprehensive Whistleblower Rights

The undersigned organizations and businesses write to urge completion of the landmark, decades-long legislative effort to restore credible whistleblower rights for federal employees. We support legislation providing genuine protection for public employees who serve the American public by risking their careers to protect taxpayers. Whistleblower protection is a foundation for any change the public can trust, whether the issue relates to economic recovery, civil rights and civil liberties, prescription drug safety, environmental protection, infrastructure spending, national health insurance, or foreign policy.

POGO and Allies Tell Congress to Keep the Report on Security Clearances

A letter to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees urging them to preserve the existing statutory requirement for the Intelligence Community to prepare an annual report to Congress regarding security clearances.

POGO Opposes Self-Regulation for Swaps and Futures Markets

We appreciate your oversight of the federal agencies that regulate the swaps and futures markets, especially in light of the massive customer losses at MF Global and Peregrine Financial Group. As you explore opportunities for improving the regulation of these markets, we urge you to reconsider the government’s reliance on private self-regulatory organizations (SROs) such as the National Futures Association (NFA).

POGO Opposes Self-Regulation of Investment Advisers

POGO has joined others in raising serious concerns about the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the largest self-regulatory organization (SRO) for the securities industry. FINRA’s regulatory effectiveness is undermined by its inherent conflicts of interest, its lack of transparency and accountability, its lobbying expenditures, and its executive compensation packages, among other issues. A recent analysis by the Boston Consulting Group underscored the costs associated with authorizing FINRA or a new SRO to regulate investment advisers. For these reasons, we oppose H.R. 4624, which would authorize one or more SROs to oversee the investment adviser industry.

POGO Supports NDAA Amendments in the House

POGO recently released an update to our recommendations for national security savings with Taxpayers for Common Sense—Spending Even Less, Spending Even Smarter —which includes $700 billion in spending reductions. Some of those recommendations are being offered as amendments to the NDAA.

Spending Even Less, Spending Even Smarter: Recommendations for National Security Savings, FY 2013 to FY 2022--Deficit Reduction: $688 Billion

Americans are tightening their belts, and it’s time for the U.S. government to do the same. In light of the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the subsequent failure of the “Super Committee,” Congress is still desperately seeking ways to reduce spending. To this end, the Project On Government Oversight and Taxpayers for Common Sense have closely examined the proposed national security budget. We found nearly $700 billion in savings over the next ten years, including cuts to wasteful weapons systems as well as limits on out-of-control contract spending.

POGO and Partners Say Cybersecurity Bill is Flawed

On behalf of the undersigned organizations concerned with government openness and accountability, we are writing to let you know of our serious concerns with sections of S.2105, the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, that create unnecessary, overbroad and unwise limitations to access of information, including broad exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and jeopardize the rights of whistleblowers.

POGO's Angela Canterbury Testifies on Whistleblower Protections for Government Contractors Before Senate Subcommittee on Government Contracting

POGO has a keen interest in contractor accountability and protecting whistleblowers who assist in uncovering and deterring government waste, fraud, abuse, mismanagement, and threats to public health and safety. Whistleblowing works for the public, but without strong public policy, not for the whistleblower.

Public comment regarding Office of Government Ethics rule on gifts from lobbyists

On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we would like to provide the following public comment regarding the Office of Government Ethics’ (OGE) “Proposed Amendments Limiting Gifts From Registered Lobbyists and Lobbying Organizations” (RIN 3209-AA04).

POGO's Angela Canterbury offering comments on the plan to restore scientific integrity to federal policy making.

Members of PCAST, it is my pleasure to offer comments today on the long overdue need for a plan to restore scientific integrity to federal policy making.

POGO Tells Congress Not to Weaken the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

For more than three decades the FCPA has served as a deterrent to bribery and helped to level the playing field for law-abiding firms using solid business practices in international commerce. However, there is a misinformation campaign underway to convince Congress that a law that is not broken requires fixing.

POGO Letter Regarding Legislative Proposals to Reform the Securities and Exchange Commission

In light of the widespread regulatory failures exposed by the recent financial crisis, we appreciate your ongoing leadership in ensuring that regulatory agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are addressing long-term structural problems that appear to have hindered their organizational and regulatory effectiveness. However, we are writing today to raise concerns about legislative proposals that would needlessly complicate the SEC’s current initiatives to implement crucial reforms throughout the agency.

POGO Letter Opposing Legislative Proposal to Create a Self-Regulatory Organization for Investment Advisers

We appreciate your leadership in considering possible reforms to the existing regulatory regime for investment advisers, especially in the aftermath of a financial crisis that continues to wreak havoc on retail investors across the nation. However, we are writing today to raise concerns about recently proposed reforms that would potentially delegate governmental authority to an industry-funded self-regulatory organization for the investment adviser industry.

Testimony of POGO's Angela Canterbury on “FOIA: Crowd-Sourcing Government Oversight”

It is particularly a pleasure to be here during the 6th Annual “Sunshine Week” when we promote open government and celebrate the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which for nearly 45 years has been a cornerstone of open government and a hallmark of our democracy. Even as we enjoy a presidential administration and a Congress that embrace the ideal of open government, it is difficult to put into practice.

POGO's Public Comment Regarding Lobbyists Serving on Federal Advisory Committees

The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) provides the following public comment on the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) “Proposed Guidance on Appointment of Lobbyists to Federal Boards and Commissions” (75 Fed. Reg. 67397, November 2, 2010). The proposed rule seeks input from interested parties on OMB’s final guidance regarding the implementation of a Presidential Memorandum signed by President Obama on June 18, 2010, which directs executive departments and agencies not to appoint or re-appoint any federally registered lobbyists to advisory committees, boards, or commissions (hereinafter “committees”). As an independent watchdog that champions good government reforms, POGO supports any efforts to limit the pervasive influence of special interests on federal advisory committees, which have been called the “fifth arm of government” because of the powerful role they play in advising agencies, Congress, and the President on a wide range of public policy issues.

Testimony of POGO's Angela Canterbury Before the House Committee on Financial Services regarding Legislative Proposals to Address Concerns Over the SEC's New Confidentiality Provision

POGO has a keen interest in ensuring that the public has a way of holding our nation’s financial regulatory agencies accountable for protecting the interests of taxpayers, investors, and consumers. We are deeply concerned about Section 929I of the Dodd-Frank Act, which would provide the Securities and Exchange Commission with an unnecessary and overly broad exemption to FOIA and a blanket authority to withhold public records.

DATA Act Gets a Boost at Transparency Conference

At the Data Transparency Conference this week, there was a lot of bipartisan support for proposed legislation to fix the many problems the public encounters with tracking federal spending: the Digital Accountability and Transparency (DATA) Act.

Activist Court Decision Strips Civil Service Rights and Whistleblower Protections From National Security Positions

A devastating court decision Tuesday stripped federal employees of their right to appeal a personnel action—even if it is discriminatory or in retaliation for whistleblowing. This deeply flawed, activist decision arms agencies with sweeping power not granted by the president or Congress.

DoD Memo Sheds Light on New Whistleblower Protections

A document released by the DoD outlines new protections for whistleblowers in the intelligence and national security communities but leaves many questions unanswered.

House Votes to Save More than $4 Billion at the Pentagon

POGO is pleased to report over $4 billion in Pentagon savings after we and our partners helped champion several commonsense amendments to the House Defense Appropriations bill.

Critical Votes on Savings at the Pentagon Today

This year there are more opportunities to cut unnecessary spending in the Defense Appropriations Act than there has been in a very long time.

Secret Court Resists Releasing Surveillance Opinions

Transparency advocates have long called for the declassification of secret court opinions that have allowed broad domestic surveillance. A recent letter from the court responsible for approving surveillance requests casts doubt on the release of these opinions, but on questionable grounds.

Electronic Surveillance Law 101

The recent whistleblowing disclosures by Edward Snowden have revealed systemic mass domestic surveillance. The government has justified its programs on the grounds that they are both legal and overseen by the FISA Court. But what do the PATRIOT Act, FISA, and the FISA Court actually do?

DATA Act 2.0: Fewer Bells, but Brighter Future

As both the House and Senate introduce new drafts of the DATA Act, the time could be ripe for real reform to federal spending transparency.

Illegal Foreclosures Are Corporate Trade Secrets?

Federal agencies are withholding information about the illegal foreclosure practices of mortgage companies from Members of Congress, relying on justifications that closely track those used to withhold documents from the general public under the Freedom of Information Act.

Obama Administration Grades Openness Performance on a Curve

POGO takes a look at the Administration's self-assessment of its first year in the global Open Government Partnership. Implementation of the National Action Plan led to some encouraging steps forward, though these steps were not as bold as hoped.

How Many Federal Workers Know Their Rights?

Most federal agencies have have not received whistleblower certification from the Office of Special Counsel, suggesting that too many would-be whistleblowers don't know their rights under the law.

Obama, Bush and the Imbalance of Power

Earlier this month, President Obama signaled that he might undermine whistleblower protections that were included in the defense authorization legislation. Did the president overstep his authority?

NDAA Update: Defense Budget Bill Scorecard

The Project On Government Oversight supports crucial measures to eliminate DoD waste, increase contractor oversight, and enhance government accountability in the Senate's multi-billion dollar defense budget bill.

Wyden Pumps the Brakes on Anti-Leaks Legislation

POGO applauds Senator Ron Wyden for placing a hold on the Intelligence Authorization Act--problematic anti-leak provisions in the bill threaten the public's right to know and government accountability.

New DATA Act Would Make Following the Money Easier

The new Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act) is a trimmed-down version of the original bill, but will still make much-needed improvements to the tools we have for tracking how taxpayer dollars are spent.

Déjà Vu—Again—for Whistleblowers

Congress left for the election season before passing the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, which would have mad government more accountable to taxpayers.

Conservatives Tell Rep. Issa: Federal Whistleblowers, and Taxpayers, Deserve Their Day in Court

Today, the North County Times, a paper in Representative Darrell Issa's (R-Calif.) district, published an Op-Ed by our allies at National Taxpayers Union and Liberty Coalition that makes clear they expect Rep. Issa to fulfill his promise of protections for federal whistleblowers by ensuring those whistleblowers can access the courts to hold the government accountable.

The Politics of Pentagon Profiteers and the Truth about Jobs

The big Pentagon contractors have been trying to scare lawmakers, the public, and the troops with dramatic claims that there will be massive job losses. Their threats to send layoff notices—right in time for the November elections—have been admonished from many corners—and are among the more desperate political stunts of recent memory.

10 Questions for the 2012 Candidates

POGO, OpenTheGovernment.org and ASNE have put together some questions we hope will spark important discussions about our government and democracy.

Audit the Pentagon: POGO Applauds New Bipartisan Initiative

Although the Pentagon budget has ballooned by billions in the past decade, it can’t even produce a basic financial statement. But last week, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and a bipartisan band of senators introduced a bill to fix this outrage and increase accountability at the Pentagon.

How a Red Herring about WikiLeaks Killed Whistleblower Protections

WikiLeaks killed our whistleblower protections bill—sort of. After an unbelievable roller coaster of fear and fallacies, votes on and off, and a flurry of activity, when the lights went out in the Capitol Building on December 22, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act was dead.