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Congress has been in recess again this week, but that didn't stop House leaders and the Government Printing Office from taking another step towards becoming a more open institution.
In the past, interested users had to know computer code to access information on many bills. Even then, the documents weren't easy to search through. The printing office announced its making bills available in XML format, which will allow bulk downloads and more user friendly searches.
The House Clerk also is making House Floor Summaries available in XML format.
Government watchdog groups are praising the move, which is expected to spawn the development of new mobile apps and websites for the public to more easily search through government data.
In a statement, Maryland Democrat Steny Hoyer called the announcements significant steps towards making the legislative branch more open and transparent.
And Hoyer, the number two Democrat in the House, is now calling on the Senate and Library of Congress to follow suit.
China Builds Museums ... But Will The Visitors Come?
China is on a spree to build world-class museums and has opened about 100 of them annually in recent years. Two of the biggest opened on the same day last fall on opposite banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River. But filling these museums — with both art and visitors — is proving more challenging.Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame
The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.IRS Official In Charge Of Nonprofits Declines To Testify
Lois Lerner, who heads the IRS division dealing with nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status, will not testify on Wednesday despite a congressional subpoena, her attorney says. She is accused of closely scrutinizing conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status.Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System
Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.Leave a Comment
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