Open government advocates have scored a big — if low-key — win in the closing week of Congress’ fall session with a law that will allow citizens to “Google their government.” President Bush signed the bill into law earlier this week.
It’s officially called the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, but fans have dubbed it the “Google your government” law because it requires the federal government to provide a user-friendly, searchable database of its contracts and grants online.
Under the law, nearly $1 trillion in contracts and grants will be on the database.
The law was sponsored by Sens. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and Barack Obama, D-Ill.
It had all-out support from a wide array of grassroots and open government groups.
Conservatives like it because they think public access to government spending will rein in profligate lawmakers.
“It could be a deterrent to lawmakers who think they can hide special programs or spending in the federal budget,” said Sam Batkins of the National Taxpayers’ Union.
Liberals and leftists like it because they think it will show that social programs aren’t enough of a priority.
“When you and I go to the store, we get a receipt. This is America’s receipt for our tax dollars,” said Gary Bass of OMB Watch.
The law requires the database to go online by Jan. 1, 2008. Bass’ group is not waiting: Next month, it will unveil its own version of an online database.
Although the bill had widespread support, it took a tortuous route to Tuesday’s signing. At the last minute, Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Ala., put an anonymous hold on the bill that prevented it from coming up for a vote.
After great hue and cry from activists — including an online hunt for the secret holder — Stevens removed his hold and the bill passed earlier this month.
“It goes a long way and we’re sort of glad that the fight is over,” Batkins said. “It was one of the few legislative accomplishments this year.”
