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Latest Policy Publications
POGO’s experts push policymakers to enact commonsense reforms that tackle waste, corruption, and abuse of power; hold those who’ve violated the public trust accountable; protect our constitutional rights; and make the government work for all people.
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AnalysisPOGO Reports Potential for Conflicts of Interest in Attorney General Nominee
A new Project On Government Oversight report this week highlights the potential conflicts of interest that might arise if Senator Jeff Sessions is confirmed to be Attorney General of the United States and is called upon to investigate or prosecute any of his major donors. To p...
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Policy Letter
POGO Asks Senate Committee to Examine Defense Secretary Nominee Conflicts
The Project On Government Oversight sent a letter asking the Senate Armed Services Committee to more closely examine Trump Defense Secretary nominee General James Mattis's conflicts of interest regarding General Dynamics and Theranos.
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Report
At Least One-Third of Attorney General Nominee’s Top Donors Have Matters Involving the Department Of Justice
Before taking the oath of office, Senator Sessions should commit to a process for evaluating his campaign finance record and any resulting ethical issues. He should also agree to a bright-line recusal rule and to following clear ethical standards that will avoid even the appea...
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AnalysisAffidavit: Trump Justice Nominee Backed Defiance of Court Orders
Sworn affidavits indicate Attorney General nominee Senator Jeff Sessions and possible Supreme Court choice William Pryor favored disregard of key judicial rulings
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AnalysisTake Action: Ethics Office Should Be Strengthened, Not Eviscerated
The Project On Government Oversight urges everyone to contact their Member of Congress to oppose a rule change proposed by House Judiciary Committee Chair Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) to undermine the independence of the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE).
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AnalysisFollowing Public Backlash House Members Drop Amendment to Gut Ethics Office
Following public outcry and criticism from groups like POGO, the House reversed a previous decision to significantly weaken the independence of the Office of Congressional Ethics. Unfortunately the new rules for the 115th Congress did not include reforms to expand disclosures ...
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Analysis
Whistleblowing Linked to Decrease in Financial Misconduct
New research from the University of Iowa shows a sharp reduction in incidents of financial misconduct at companies following whistleblowing investigations, as reported by The New York Times.
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Policy Letter
POGO Supports the Premise of “Release to All,” But Raises Concerns
POGO has a longstanding interest in the Freedom of Information Act and the proactive disclosure of government records. POGO supports the premise of “Release to All,” but has two concerns. The first relates to the proposed “Good Cause” exceptions, and the second relates to the ...
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Analysis
Federal Fraud Recoveries Bounce Back in FY 2016
The Justice Department recovered more than $4.7 billion through False Claims Act cases in fiscal year 2016—a sizable increase over last year’s total, and the federal government’s third highest annual fraud recovery ever.
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Analysis
NRC Fines Nuclear Power Plant for Fire Safety Violation
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission fined the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant $140,000 for safety violations involving fire watch and suppression procedures.
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Analysis
Watchdog Sheds New Light on Afghanistan Luxury Villas
Sadly, new information about the Pentagon’s $150 million luxury villas in Afghanistan recently disclosed by SIGAR in a letter to Congress may be the final word on this controversial project.
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Analysis
Judge Sides with Marine in Information-Mishandling Case
A federal judge determined that a board of inquiry that had initially recommended Marine Corps Major Jason Brezler’s discharge for mishandling classified information in 2013 had unjustly withheld documents that would have been key to his defense.