Open The Government

“The sooner the better”: A new Washington Post editorial spotlights key #Accountability2021 recommendations Biden must implement with more expediency to demonstrate the importance of transparency in government. washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/…

📢ANNOUNCEMENT: We’ve become a part of @POGOwatchdog! We’re excited to continue working for a more accountable, effective government there. Make sure to follow their account to stay up to date!

The committee shows that the call to march on the Capitol was not spontaneous, but planned. #January6thCommitteeHearings

After Trump's final call with Pence on Jan. 6, his speechwriters got the order to reinsert harsh language about Pence in Trump's Ellipse speech. Earlier: politico.com/news/2022/04/2…

Rep Raskin plays testimony that President Trump declared Sidney Powell, who pushed bizarre conspiracy theories about a stolen election, as Special Counsel and directed staff to give her a security clearance.

Rep Raskin shows evidence that allies of the President wrote a draft Executive Order which allowed the seizure of voting machines. The White House Counsel testified, "[t]hat's not how we do things in the United States"

The Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the Capitol is holding another hearing this afternoon. We'll be following along and commenting 1/

Nearly 70 journalists have signed the letter below to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre protesting press-access restrictions in certain areas of the White House campus that were previously open to all reporters admitted onto the grounds.

In closing statements, the Committee shows messages received by potential witnesses.

Hutchinson testifies that Mark Meadows wanted to include language about pardoning 1/6 rioters in a speech by Trump. Both Mark Meadows and Rudy Gulliani sought pardons.

The Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol is currently calling a special session. Cassidy Hutchinson is testifying. She was a senior aide to Mark Meadows who was then Chief of Staff to the President.

HUTCHINSON said Trump was mad that his rally on the ellipse wasn't at capacity. She also told the committee he wanted people let through the mags with weapons. "They're not here to hurt me."

Good news: the latest appropriations bill chaired by @RepMikeQuigley would require the White House to proactively disclose visitor logs within 90 days and place them online.

Some administrations voluntarily release their visitor logs but the entire process of if/how/when the public would see the logs is left entirely to the White House. (The same one that might be lobbied inappropriately...see the problem?)

For years lobbyists, industry representatives, and DC insiders have visited the White House to advocate for their issues. Much of this lobbying is done in secret despite the ethical concerns & appearances of undue influence. 1/