LLRX.com - Legislative

Commentary: Immunity for Telecom Eavesdropping

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:23:04 -0800

Beth Wellington's commentary tracks the legislative path of retroactive immunity for telecom eavesdropping.

Criminal Justice Resources: Sex Offender Laws

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:00:00 -0800

Ken Strutin's guide, which highlights key publications and resources, focuses on recent developments in the administration and implementation of federal laws. In addition, selected research on sex offenses, risk assessment, treatment and punishment are noted, along with a section on the new Adam Walsh Act.

FOIA Facts: Are Ombudsman The Answer?

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:20:28 -0800

Scott A. Hodes maintains that there are pros and cons to setting up an ombudsman’s office, and the overall scheme may not be the answer in resolving the number of disputes that arise in the disclosure of public records.

CongressLine by GalleryWatch.com: The Capitol of Newspapers

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 16:59:14 -0800

Paul Jenks provides background, perspective and insight into the audience, content and role of a trio of newspapers of record for what he calls the "most inherently partisan institution in the country." These papers, available in print and online versions, are significant resources for anyone tracking the Hill and Congress.

The Goverment Domain: GovTrack and OpenCongress Go Beyond THOMAS

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 16:55:41 -0800

Peggy Garvin explores the evolution in the features and services provided by GovTrack, the free, public, independent web service with information on federal legislation, congressional documents, legislators, and votes. She also profiles a site with complementary content on lobbying activity and campaign contributions.

Commentary: Labor Protections and the Role of Card-Check Agreements

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 16:39:57 -0800

Beth Wellington reviews the background and legislation associated with card check-off campaigns to establish union representation, as well as the current political and corporate positions.

FOIA Facts: Suggestions for FOIA Amendments

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 16:27:23 -0800

Scott A. Hodes recommends four substantive ways in which agency accountability will lead to more effective and efficient processing of FOIA requests.

The Government Domain: A Handful of Classics

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:08:32 -0800

Peggy Garvin has updated her directory of useful government information resources online, the e-Government and Web Directory: U.S. Federal Government Online. Her research has found that federal web sites do not change as rapidly as users believe. The content on these sites is dynamic, constantly being refreshed and redesigned. However, the sites themselves, the ones that represent so much of the work of the federal government and are selected for inclusion in the book, are fairly stable.

The Government Domain: Tracking Congress 2.0

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:03:05 -0800

With the 111th Congress of the United States reconvening on September 8th, e-gov expert Peggy Garvin highlights new tools and sources that enhance and expand your ability to track and monitor the action.

The Government Domain: Wrapping Up 2008

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:32:13 -0800

E-gov expert Peggy Garvin provides an overview of the significant developments in the world of online government information this past year. According to Peggy, overall the year saw a push by individuals and nongovernment organizations for increased access to digital government information. Specifically, new official government and non-government websites came online, and existing sites developed more sophisticated features.

CongressLine: Presidential Patronage

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:17:40 -0800

Paul Jenks' commentary addresses the background of the scramble for thousands of presidentially appointed offices within the government that accompanies a new administration. The selection process has evolved over the past couple of hundred years and every position outside of the new president’s personal staff requires Senate approval.

CongressLine: Running for Congress

Fri, 09 May 2008 14:42:00 -0800

Paul Jenks recounts how for the past two years he has run marathons and monitored Congress at the same time, describing how the two experiences are very similar.

CongressLine: The Committee Markup

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 09:21:56 -0800

Paul Jenks describes how the committee markup is where the real work of Congress takes place. According to Paul, in the House, where floor amendments can be strictly regulated, they are the only place a member can propose a change. In some cases, the actual bill is written completely in a markup. This usually happens for appropriations bills, but is done increasingly for other really big bills.

CongressLine by GalleryWatch.com: Lobbying and Ethics Rules

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:16:12 -0800

This month Paul Jenks provides readers with a copy of a recent CRS report, Lobbying Law and Ethics Rules Changes in the 110^th Congress.

Analysis of the Energy Bill, the EPA's Refusal to Grant Waivers and State Laws With Respect to Climate Change

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 07:55:48 -0800

Beth Wellington reviews the contentious debate underway on the state, national and international level, concerning efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles.