Publications :  The Watcher :  OMB Watcher Vol. 7: 2006 :  December 19, 2006 Vol. 7, No. 25 : 

In This Issue

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The 2006 Transparency Awards (12/19/2006)
For years, the Bush administration has been labeled by many as the most secretive administration to occupy the White House in decades. This penchant for secrecy has pushed the pendulum far from openness and transparency. And while the pendulum did not swing back significantly in 2006, the movement toward greater secrecy was finally challenged and slowed. The year still contained many proposals to reduce government accountability and openness. However, there were also indications that the public and certain officials had come to believe that excessive secrecy had become unmanageable and ran contrary to the stated goals of its proponents — to create a better, safer country. Such differing viewpoints often gave rise to high drama, and in recognition of that, we present the 2006 Transparency Awards.

2006 Fiscal Policy Year in Review: Process Failures, Budgetary Gridlock (12/19/2006)
2006 was a busy year in federal fiscal policy. As in 2005, the regular budget process broke down almost entirely, increasingly urgent issues were neglected, and much time and attention were devoted to consideration of items and priorities seen by many as insignificant and misguided.

Attempts to Roll Back, Delay Regulatory Protections Common in 2006 (12/19/2006)
Throughout the past several years, attempts to roll back regulatory safeguards and delay new rulemaking have been common. 2006 proved to be no different, and several important issues garnered attention. Among these were sunset commission legislation, the nomination of Susan Dudley, and proposals to further complicate the regulatory process.

2006 Roundup: Federal Developments Impacting Nonprofit Speech Rights (12/19/2006)
Although 2006 brought nonprofit organizations a somewhat hostile legal climate for grassroots advocacy, nonprofits provided leadership on issues in public policy debates and helped get voters to the polls and protect their rights. Nonprofits exposed government surveillance of groups that dissent and resisted efforts to silence debate or use federal grants as a wedge to control speech. To level the political playing field, nonprofits supported efforts to increase transparency in Congress. Some in the sector also called for frozen funds of charities designated as supporters of terrorism to be released for charitable purposes.

2007 Presents Opportunities, Pitfalls for Advancement of Open, Responsible Government (12/19/2006)
With Democrats in control of Congress, 2007 will usher in an era of renewed government oversight. At the same time, the slim majority in Congress means it is unlikely that 2007 will be a time for passing legislation unless it is truly bipartisan. For advocates of fairness, honesty, and accountability in government, it is likely to be a busy and exciting year. However, for those who hope for increased spending on low-income programs and social justice initiatives, it may prove disappointing.

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