Publications :  The Watcher :  OMB Watcher Vol. 7: 2006 :  May 2, 2006 Vol. 7, No. 9 : 

In This Issue

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Path to Chemical Security Is Clear, But Overlooked (05/03/2006)
Approximately 284 facilities in 47 states have reduced risks to nearby communities from hazardous chemicals by switching to safer chemical processes or moving to safer locations, according to an Apr. 24 report by the Center for American Progress (CAP). Preventing Toxic Terrorism highlights the need for a national program to encourage thousands of other chemical facilities to become safer neighbors through the use of alternative, inherently safer chemicals and technologies.

Experts to Senate: EPA's Pollution Plans Stink (05/02/2006)
An Apr. 20 Senate staff briefing brought to Congress's attention concerns over the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposals to reduce Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) chemical reporting. A diverse panel of experts discussed how the changes proposed by EPA would cripple this successful environmental program, undermine first responder readiness, impede financial investment decisions and interfere with state and local programs.

Ray of Light Shed on Spying, Legislation Demands More Oversight (05/02/2006)
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) is harnessing the power of the purse string to challenge the Bush administration's self-appointed power of the wiretap. Specter has introduced a legislative amendment that would eliminate funding for the National Security Agency's warrantless spying program unless Congress is kept in the loop about the program's activities.

National Archives Reclassification Revealed (05/02/2006)
An audit conducted by the National Archives estimates that more than 8,500 of the 25,000 (or nearly one-third of) records removed from the public shelves of the Archives should not have been removed.

Findings on Whales and Sonar Remain Murky (05/02/2006)
Two reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with vastly different conclusions raise questions both about the connection between Navy sonar and whale beachings and about consistency within, and the scientific integrity of, the agency.

Sunset Commissions Could Be Folded Into Budget Process Reform (05/02/2006)
Hill sources indicate that sunset commission proposals could move through the House by riding onto a package of budget process reforms.

Needed Health and Safety Regulations Left Idle on Agency 'To-Do' Lists (05/02/2006)
With the release of their Spring 2006 regulatory agendas on Apr. 24, federal agencies once again relegate important health and safety protections to the back burner.

Estate Tax Vote Nears; Lobbying Heats Up (05/02/2006)
In a recent letter to his colleagues, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) reaffirmed his promise to hold a vote on full repeal of the estate tax, writing that one of his major priorities this summer is to "kill the death tax forever." Groups on both sides of the issue are stepping up their efforts leading up to the vote, holding press conferences and events and producing reports, all in the hopes of getting as much attention as possible from legislators around what promises to be a very close battle. You can still add your voice to growing support for the dynasty tax.

Harsh Budget Resolution On Its Last Leg? (05/02/2006)
There has been little movement on the FY 2007 budget resolution since it was pulled from the House floor before the April congressional recess. Despite a deal late last week between Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis (R-CA) that removed one of three major obstacles to approval in the House, the outlook for the resolution remains bleak.

White House Misleads Public, Congress on PART Results (05/02/2006)
In each of the past two years, President Bush has publicly cited a group of 100-plus federal programs in his State of the Union address that he wishes to eliminate or drastically reduce because they are "not getting results." Yet, over two-thirds of these programs have not even been reviewed by the administration's own tool for determining results: the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART).

2006 Tax Reconciliation Bill Languishes (05/02/2006)
Despite claims by the two senior GOP tax writers of a breakthrough last week following daily meetings with Republican leaders, last year's $70 billion tax cut bill remains unfinished. The bill is expected to be finalized and brought to the floor of both the House and the Senate, as long as House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) reach a compromise over how to pay for a small part of the bill that exceeds budget targets.

House to Vote on Lukewarm Lobby Reform Bill (05/02/2006)
Following intense negotiations, House leadership sent a lobbying and ethics package to the floor for a May 3 vote made up of watered-down provisions that passed through five committees. A rule restricting amendments during the floor debate will prevent reform advocates from strengthening these provisions.

New Election Year Resources for Nonprofits (05/02/2006)
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has released a report to members of Congress that explains restrictions on advocacy and election activity by different types of nonprofits, along with reporting and disclosure requirements that apply to each type. The report should help reduce confusion on the Hill about nonprofit advocacy. OMB Watch has summarized the report as a resource for nonprofit organizations in this election year. In addition, NPAction.org, hosted by OMB Watch, has launched Nonprofits Can Help America Vote!, an online resource dedicated to guiding and increasing nonprofits' activities around elections.

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