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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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Analysis
Why the NDAA is Much Bigger than Just the Defense Budget
The annual behemoth defense spending bill has become the method of choice for a lot of elected officials to shuttle unpopular legislation through Congress in near secrecy.
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Analysis
How the House Almost Cheated Taxpayers Out of Billions
An amendment to prevent increasing onshore oil royalties nearly cost taxpayers $1.25 billion over the next 10 years.
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Analysis
Court Upholds Federal Ban on Pay-to-Play
A federal appeals court unanimously upheld the ban on contractor campaign contributions. The court ruled that the ban is supported by the compelling interest of preventing corruption.
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Analysis
Katz Calls for Elimination of Dark Money from Corporations
In her new book, The Influence Machine, Alyssa Katz reports on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its work to keep corporate political spending veiled from the public.
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Analysis
In Snowden’s Wake: New Book Examines Needed Intelligence Reforms
Regardless of how you view Edward Snowden, Ronald Goldfarb’s new book shows that Snowden’s revelations have forever altered America’s political landscape.
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Analysis
Federal Small Business Contracting: Fact or Fiction?
The Small Business Administration touted the federal government's small business contracting success last year, claiming $91.7 billion, or 25 percent of all contract dollars, was awarded to small businesses. Are the numbers too good to be true?
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Analysis
Application of FOIA in Army Case Leaves Much to be Desired
U.S. Central Command is misusing the Freedom of Information Act to hide a report on war crimes in Afghanistan.
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Analysis
Defense Officials Reject Rosy Cost Estimates
The Department of Defense says nuclear spending could reach about 7 percent of its budget, exceeding some outside estimates.
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AnalysisGAO Slams Air Force’s A-10 Divestment Plan
GAO report confirms that Air Force efforts to retire the A-10 could create a critical support gap for American ground troops.
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Analysis
More Calls for Access to CRS’s Formal Reports
Congressional Research Service reports belong in the public domain.
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AnalysisNavy Myopia Force Marines to Hitch a Ride
Marine Corps planners are reportedly working with allied nations to determine the suitability of various vessels to carry company-sized elements of Marines to perform some of the functions being carried out by Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs).
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Analysis
Watchdog Barks for Access to FBI Records
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is continuing to challenge the authority of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General to access FBI records, according to an OIG report issued last week.