We’ve been posting about this possible federal database since June when the U.S. House passed legislation for a database that would track only grant spending. Now, the House and Senate have reached an agreement to allow for a much more expansive database.
A far-flung coalition of groups across the political spectrum supports the idea and their efforts were rewarded Thursday as the Senate passed a bill to build a Google-like search engine to allow people to track online approximately $1 trillion in federal grants, contracts, earmarks and loans…The House passed a narrower version of the measure in June. The House version would allow searches of grants – which often go to nonprofits – but not contracts awarded to businesses.
Via Tulsa World:
U.S. House leaders announced Friday that an agreement has been reached on legislation pushed by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., to create a database the public can use to track billions of dollars in both federal grants and contracts. House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said he plans to schedule a vote on the language next week.
Thanks to Andy B. and Barry S. for the news tip.
See Also: Read the Legislation of the Senate Bill (S 2590) and House Bill HR 5060 via THOMAS.
See Also: Looking for a Database of Wasteful Government “Pork” Spending? Visit the Congressional Pig Book and Database
The Pork Database has Over 9,963 projects by keyword, state, or appropriations bill. The book and database is produced by Citizens Against Government Waste.
See Also: Although Google is used as a verb in one of the articles (be careful), don’t forget the MUCH improved and very useful FirstGovSearch powered by MSN with dynamic clustering and other useful tools from Vivisimo. It’s a very useful product.
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