The Daily MuckA Government Accountability Office report described the ways in which the Federal Communications Commission broadcasts which items it is about to vote on “even though that information is not supposed to be released outside of FCC.” At issue is the extent to which some “stakeholders” gain advance access to FCC information and then gain a competitive advantage. One stakeholder informed the GAO that FCC staff calls them to directly inform them of scheduled votes. (Washington Post)
Representative Jim Cooper (D-TN) has proposed seven-year terms for inspector generals and new rules that subject them to removal for cause, rather than presidential whim. Cooper’s proposed law would also allow inspector generals to request funds directly from OMB and congressional committees, and establish a council to investigation any misconduct of the inspectors. (U.S. News & World Report)
Former Gov. Don Siegeleman will have to continue his case from prison, according to a recent court decision that denied him bail pending appeal. The judge ruled that Siegelman has failed to demonstrate that his appeal raises substantial questions of law or fact that might overturn the verdict. (Associated Press)
After World War II, many veterans benefited from a generous G.I. bill and became the first in their families to obtain a college education. Think Progress reports that Iraqi veterans are getting a different deal. The Army has determined that 1,162 members of the Minnesota National Guard, who returned from multiple tours and 22 months in Iraq, served 729 days – rather than a required 730 days – and are thus ineligible; for full education benefits under the G.I. Bill. (Think Progress)
VECO gave generously, and now politicians are paying for it in headaches (and, of course, looming criminal investigations). Find out who received the most, and what those recipients tend to do with it now that their contributors have pleaded guilty to bribing politicians. (Associated Press)