Obama's Econ Board Doesn't Look So Transparent

Administration actions would replace law Congress fails to pass

(NEWSER) - The Obama administration has drafted an executive order that would force all companies seeking government contracts to disclose their donations to groups airing political ads, as part of a multi-pronged attack on the kind of anonymous campaign spending Republicans walloped Democrats with last year. The FEC is also moving to restrict the money that subsidiaries of foreign corporations can spend on elections, and the SEC last month issued a decree that could give shareholders more say in such expenditures, Politico reports. More»

Economic titan leaves mixed legacy, will continue to advise

(NEWSER) - Economic heavyweight Paul Volcker is adding his name to the list of advisers leaving the White House this month, reports Reuters. The 83-year-old architect of the Volcker Rule will no longer head up the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board , but has indicated that he'll continue to advise President Obama as needed. An announcement is expected tomorrow, as Obama finalizes staff changes. More»

Treasury Secretary's influence over Obama fading

(NEWSER) - Paul Volcker scored a major victory yesterday as Barack Obama endorsed his proposal for tough new bank regulations over the objections of Tim Geithner. Obama even dubbed the proposal, which would prevent banks from making speculative investments that don't benefit their customers, the “Volcker Rule.” It’s a major sign that Geithner, who favors much milder reforms, is losing influence, the Washington Post reports. More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama promised to use the Internet to give Americans a greater voice in government—but in keeping that promise, he’s given America’s fringe a chance to shout at him, the New York Times reports. When the administration asked for ideas on how to make the government more transparent, it was bombarded with messages about marijuana, UFOs, and Obama’s birth certificate. More»

(NEWSER) - Despite President Obama’s promise of transparency, the administration is blocking requests for the White House visitors list, MSNBC reports, defying two federal court rulings that the lists are public record. In addition to denying MSNBC’s request for a list of all visitors since Jan. 20, the Secret Service turned down a nonpartisan watchdog group’s request for records of visits by coal executives. More»