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Advocacy Blog
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
OMB Watch Submits Comments on Partner Vetting System; Administration Delays Its Operation
Possibly because of last week's publicity that opposition to the proposed U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Partner Vetting System from charitable organizations was increasing caused the Bush administration to postpone the start of the program until the agency reviews comments. The Washington Post reports that representatives of USAID's security office will meet with organizations that sent comments in response to the July 17 notice. This would be the first time that the program is actually discussed with a group of representatives who will be affected.
USAID's acting deputy administrator, James Kunder said even though the notice in the Federal Register said yesterday was the last day for organizations to comment on the proposal, comments will be accepted through the end of next month. "Kunder said in a telephone interview that it 'would be effective, but not operational' until there is 'a systematic review' of the views of the private organizations involved." However, the The Chronicle of Philanthropy ($$) reports that Harry Edwards, a spokesman for the Agency for International Development, could not confirm Kunder's comments.
Most unfortunate is the fact that groups who are rejected would not be told why. This secrecy was part of the focus covered by OMB Watch in comments submitted to USAID. The Washington Post article also cited Kunder to have said that whether the agency could confirm or deny that individuals passed the screening is still being considered. OMB Watch comments also focused on the problems with using watchlists for the vetting.
Posted by Amanda Adams
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