On the Blog: Yes to Transparency

Though it’s late in the session, a new bill in Congress would require the Library of Congress to give the public bulk access to legislative data. That would help WashingtonWatch.com do what it does for you, and we like it.

Read about it in a post entitled: “Congressional Transparency: Yes.”

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Featured Item

Congress remains in recess until November 15th while members and senators campaign for reelection.

New information about the “continuing resolution” that Congress passed in lieu of regular spending bills has become available. The bill generally continues spending on government operations at the same rate as in fiscal year 2010, but it makes changes to a small set of programs. According to our calculations, the new law spends just over $6,800 per U.S. family.

To see how representatives voted on it, go to the “Learn More” area on the page for this law.

P.L. 111-242
The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
Costs $6,806.52 per family

What People Think

The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 10% For, 90% Against Vote on this Bill

Displayed below are new, updated, and passed items with their cost or savings per family.

New Items

H.R. 4868
The Housing Preservation and Tenant Protection Act of 2010
Costs $475.68 per family

S. 987
The International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2009
Costs $0.61 per family

H.R. 5367
The D.C. Courts and Public Defender Service Act of 2010
Costs $0.00 per family

S. 3447
The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010
Costs $19.88 per family

H.R. 5509
The Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act
Costs $22.39 per family

S. 3794
The FOR VETS Act of 2010
Costs $0.00 per family

S. 3614
The Oil Spill Response Act
Costs $0.50 per family

Updated Items

H.R. 5663
The Miner Safety and Health Act of 2010
Costs $1.60 per family

P.L. 111-242
The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
Costs $6,806.52 per family

Passed Items

P.L. 111-252
To allow certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who serve under an overseas limited appointment for at least 2 years, and whose service is rated fully successful or higher throughout that time, to be converted to a permanent appointment in the competitive service
Costs $0.50 per family

P.L. 111-253
A bill to award a congressional gold medal to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in recognition of his contributions to the fight against global poverty

P.L. 111-254
A bill to grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II

P.L. 111-255
The Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act of 2009

P.L. 111-256
Rosa’s Law
Costs $0.00 per family

P.L. 111-257
A bill to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to provide for certain disclosures under section 552 of title 5, United States Code, (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act), and for other purposes

P.L. 111-258
The Reducing Over-Classification Act of 2009
Costs $0.21 per family

P.L. 111-259
The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010
Costs $7.01 per family