Here is Thursday's look at transparency-related news items, congressional committee hearings, transparency-related bills introduced in Congress, and transparency-related events.

News Roundup:

  • Starting Wednesday, the Obama administration began releasing the names of federal subcontractors and the amount of money they receive. (Washington Post)
  • A bipartisan coalition of watchdog and taxpayer groups called on the House to preserve the Office of Congressional Ethics. (The Hill)
  • Senate Republican threats to block all lame-duck legislation until the budget and tax cuts are reauthorized may prompt consideration of filibuster reform. (Roll Call)$
  • The House Republican transition team has proposed a series of changes to GOP internal rules. (Roll Call)$
  • As required by law, the Federal Reserve released data Wednesday on actions it took in response to the financial crisis. (The Hill)(New York Times)
  • Several colleagues plan to make one last argument that Rep. Rangel does not deserve a formal censure. (The Hill)
  • Sen. Ensign is no longer the target of a Justice Department investigation stemming from his alleged efforts to cover up an alleged affair with the wife of a former staffer. (The Hill)(New York Times)
  • Telecommunications firms and related entities ramp up their lobbying efforts as the FCC gets closer to considering net neutrality rules. (Politico)(Roll Call)$
  • Opinion: Melanie Sloan calls on Speaker-elect Boehner to demonstrate his commitment to strengthening House ethical standards. (Politico)
Relevant committee hearings scheduled for 12/2:
  • None
Relevant bills introduced:
  • S. 3996. A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require additional disclosures and protections for students and cosigners with respect to student loans, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Transparency Events Scheduled for 12/2: