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Federal Advisory Committees : Browse Recent Ideas

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Reduce the Role of Vested Interests in Advising Government

  Federal Advisory Committees should be regulated in such a manner that vested interests are restricted to a minority voice. FACs should be composed of educated citizens that are not in conflict of interest and in no position to make scads of money should their advice be taken. Currently these groups are stacked overwhelmingly (if not exclusively) with those whose interests run counter to the public good - and toward their ...more »

  Federal Advisory Committees should be regulated in such a manner that vested interests are restricted to a minority voice. FACs should be composed of educated citizens that are not in conflict of interest and in no position to make scads of money should their advice be taken.

  Currently these groups are stacked overwhelmingly (if not exclusively) with those whose interests run counter to the public good - and toward their personal financial benefit.

  For example how are we to trust a group advising for the addition of a particular vaccine to the required schedule if the individual group members stand to personally gain tens of millions of dollars, should their advice be heeded?

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  2 comments for Idea: Reduce the Role of Vested Interests in Advising Government

  Submitted by verrry_skeptical-but_hopeful 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Appointment of Mr. Kareen Shora to Advisory Council to Homeland Security

  I understand Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has swore in to her official advisory council the head of an Arab American organization whose officials have labeled deadly anti-U.S jihadists as “heroes” and opposed referring to Hamas as a terrorist organization. This individual Mr Kareem Shora who is or was the Executive Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). It is well known the ...more »

  I understand Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has swore in to her official advisory council the head of an Arab American organization whose officials have labeled deadly anti-U.S jihadists as “heroes” and opposed referring to Hamas as a terrorist organization.

  This individual Mr Kareem Shora who is or was the Executive Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). It is well known the ADC takes an openly anti-Israel Line. Its official material has accused the Jewish state of “apartheid” and “atrocities”. Most of the senior ADC officials have expressed positive views toward terrorist organizations.

  OUR HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY (Janet Napolitano) bring someone like this in her advisory council, Janet is the same person who call has call returning Veterans, and Americans who believe in the Constitution , the Bill of Rights, State Rights Terrorist!.

  She appoints this ADC Executive Director to her council, mmmmm, JUST WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

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  4 comments for Idea: Appointment of Mr. Kareen Shora to Advisory Council to Homeland Security

  Submitted by William Haverty 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Require ACORN to make public their financial records

  We, the People, who are funding the government money given to them, should demand accountability of the funds. They owe the Citizens an honest view of the other groups they are handing the money to.

  3 comments for Idea: Require ACORN to make public their financial records

  Submitted by ortizsusanna 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  The new "Compensation Czar"

  News item: "The Obama administration plans to appoint a "Special Master for Compensation" to ensure that companies receiving federal bailout funds are abiding by executive-pay guidelines, according to people familiar with the matter."

  I hope they start with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Congressional staff members. They have no business messing around in the provate economy.

  4 comments for Idea: The new "Compensation Czar"

  Submitted by mike 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  National Authority for defining Standards for All Energy Certifications...

  We as a nation, have the cart before the horse as we delve into sustainable forms of Green Energy and the use of other energy sources. The problems come when these systems fail, cause harm, or are not effective, but sold anyway. I believe the US government should establish a system of Authority through the Department of Energy, setting up a system which will detail how standards are determined, how often they are reviewed, ...more »

  We as a nation, have the cart before the horse as we delve into sustainable forms of Green Energy and the use of other energy sources.

  The problems come when these systems fail, cause harm, or are not effective, but sold anyway. I believe the US government should establish a system of Authority through the Department of Energy, setting up a system which will detail how standards are determined, how often they are reviewed, how the scientists determine scales of importance in production, decay, quality, and other characteristics necessary to determine the best means to manufacture and design systems that produce meaningful advantages. This entity should be called, NITREOUS for the National Institute of Technology of Energy Organizations, Utilities, and Services. This Institute will use its Authority to provide the certifications necessary to make National products safe, ensure characteristics are accurate and uniform, measure, test, and determine the decay rates and usable lifetimes of products, identify cautions and dangers to store, use or install systems and determine criteria for all licensing of national builders and manufacturers for energy products.

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  2 comments for Idea: National Authority for defining Standards for All Energy Certifications...

  Submitted by gregors 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  REMOVING POSTED IDEAS

  Hey folks, it seems that the administration is at it again. All of my posts have been removed regarding Obamas legitimacy of his birth certificate. It seems all of you that feel the same way will have yours removed sonner or later so that the ideas input portion of this website seems to consist mostly of garbage that doesnt really natter to true conservatives... How Sad Obama... You can change a leopards spots but you ...more »

  Hey folks, it seems that the administration is at it again. All of my posts have been removed regarding Obamas legitimacy of his birth certificate. It seems all of you that feel the same way will have yours removed sonner or later so that the ideas input portion of this website seems to consist mostly of garbage that doesnt really natter to true conservatives... How Sad Obama... You can change a leopards spots but you will never change the leopard.

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  2 comments for Idea: REMOVING POSTED IDEAS

  Submitted by juanramos777 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  abolish the federal reserve!

  www.campaignforliberty

  7 comments for Idea: abolish the federal reserve!

  Submitted by jhdawson 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Audit the Federal Reserve!

  Let support Ron Paul and audit the Federal Reserve.

  Add your comment for Idea: Audit the Federal Reserve!

  Submitted by wet501 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  President’s Open Government Advisory Committee

  The Committee shall consist of members appointed by the President, including representatives of media organizations; nonprofit groups using government data; nonprofit groups supporting government transparency; academic researchers; and information-technology firms. The Committee shall provide the Office of Chief Technology Officer with expert, independent advice on increasing public access to Federal government information ...more »

  The Committee shall consist of members appointed by the President, including representatives of media organizations; nonprofit groups using government data; nonprofit groups supporting government transparency; academic researchers; and information-technology firms.

  The Committee shall provide the Office of Chief Technology Officer with expert, independent advice on increasing public access to Federal government information using information technology.

  (Loosely based on:

  President’s Information Technology Advisory Committee http://www.nitrd.gov/pitac/

  Clinton executive order: http://www.nitrd.gov/pitac/exec-orders/19970211_exec_order.html)

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  2 comments for Idea: President’s Open Government Advisory Committee

  Submitted by dan 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Military Families -- both active duty and reserves and national guard troops

  I am a veteran and a woman. I loved my job during active duty for over the eight years I served in the Army. I scoffed at the idea during my initial training in Fort Lee, VA., when told by a female cadre, that if I wanted to make the military a career -- never have children. I was married and we did not have children until 8 years into my supply logistics career. I reluctantly left the service when little support was ...more »

  I am a veteran and a woman. I loved my job during active duty for over the eight years I served in the Army. I scoffed at the idea during my initial training in Fort Lee, VA., when told by a female cadre, that if I wanted to make the military a career -- never have children. I was married and we did not have children until 8 years into my supply logistics career. I reluctantly left the service when little support was available for adequate childcare in my overseas assignment. I was stationed in Weisbaden, Germany at the time. My command did their best to ease the adjustment of motherhood and soldiering. I was an E-5(P) supply sergeant for 142d S&S Bn, 29th S&S Co. However, the undercurrent and common attitude held at that time was that if "Uncle Sam" wanted a soldier to have a family, it would have been issued to you.

  I could not put the quality of life of my daughter above my choice to be a soldier. However, it was a difficult choice and one I struggled with. There has to be better system in place. I was on track for BNOC and then to be assigned as a Drill Sergeant, when I became pregnant and that had to be cancelled.

  Why accept females in the military if not all aspects of their needs can be met? I understand that defending our country is paramount and being ready at a moment’s notice to move-out is necessary. I had no problems with that. I have a problem with non-existent childcare providers, especially if both parents work or are on active duty.

  My spouse had power of attorney if I had been sent into a combat theater. That was not the problem. The problem I discovered is performing the day-to-day operations in garrison while training for upcoming missions. There has to be a better way to evaluate how to support military families if those families are to accompany active duty military members on assignments not in a combat arena.

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  4 comments for Idea: Military Families -- both active duty and reserves and national guard troops

  Submitted by lorrainegardephe 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Aviation

  The Airlines industries used 9/11 to declare bankruptcy and used that time to reduce or eliminate: pensions, job permanence, training requirements and wages. This is making air travel more risky. A pilot pays as much for their training as a doctor and has the responsibility for the life of all their passangers. The Government must expect aviation to pay their pilots well and put into place more reasonable working conditions. ...more »

  The Airlines industries used 9/11 to declare bankruptcy and used that time to reduce or eliminate: pensions, job permanence, training requirements and wages. This is making air travel more risky.

  A pilot pays as much for their training as a doctor and has the responsibility for the life of all their passangers.

  The Government must expect aviation to pay their pilots well and put into place more reasonable working conditions.

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  12 comments for Idea: Aviation

  Submitted by wintergreen 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Reopen the Office of Technology Assessment

  The Office of Technology Assessment was a respected nonpartisan office whose job was supplying information to congress about upcoming technological possibilities including both opportunities and risk. It was defunded in the 1980's. Arguably the role a new and enhanced OTA would serve is more important than ever. A new OTA would help serve as an important mediator of information to congress and to the publc and improve ...more »

  The Office of Technology Assessment was a respected nonpartisan office whose job was supplying information to congress about upcoming technological possibilities including both opportunities and risk. It was defunded in the 1980's. Arguably the role a new and enhanced OTA would serve is more important than ever. A new OTA would help serve as an important mediator of information to congress and to the publc and improve the quality and quantity of participation in public deliberation over the introduction of technological systems.

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  1 comment for Idea: Reopen the Office of Technology Assessment

  Submitted by douglas 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Utilize former Advisory Board Members

  Term limits for Board members have caused valuable input on federal issues to be lost. Significant time is spent educating new members - long term members are often the most informed. Create special avenues for former members to provide input, such as separate blogs, annual meetings, to tap into the time investment made into these citizens.

  1 comment for Idea: Utilize former Advisory Board Members

  Submitted by bobby.lee 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  FACA makeup

  Former employees of agencies and their contractors should be barred from participation in FACA committees overseeing the agencies work.

  Add your comment for Idea: FACA makeup

  Submitted by farseer2002 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Increase participation of the affected public in FACA committees

  Federal Advisory Committees are an important mechanism for in-depth discussion between agencies and the public. Rules and guidelines need improvement, but also agencies may not be able to afford to establish and maintain all of the FACA committees they need. It is especially important to involve the people who will be most affected by the rules under discussion! Therefore: Experiment with online access (and use of library ...more »

  Federal Advisory Committees are an important mechanism for in-depth discussion between agencies and the public. Rules and guidelines need improvement, but also agencies may not be able to afford to establish and maintain all of the FACA committees they need. It is especially important to involve the people who will be most affected by the rules under discussion! Therefore:

  Experiment with online access (and use of library or loan computers if needed) to bring down costs and involve more people who are directly affected by the rules in question but may otherwise not participate – for example, parents of young children regarding child safety legislation, disabled people regarding airline rules or veterans regarding VA services, homeless people regarding social security payment mechanisms (an issue if you have no bank account).

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  Add your comment for Idea: Increase participation of the affected public in FACA committees

  Submitted by rgunn 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Effective communication for positive changes

  Create effective communication on different levels: community, National and International. Participate in High Level Events and keep respectful Leadership. Involve more successful business people with practical achievements, implementing strategies and messaging designed to affect positive behavioral change, drive successful business results aligned with overal vision. Provide training and seminars to exchange informations ...more »

  Create effective communication on different levels: community, National and International. Participate in High Level Events and keep respectful Leadership. Involve more successful business people with practical achievements, implementing strategies and messaging designed to affect positive behavioral change, drive successful business results aligned with overal vision. Provide training and seminars to exchange informations and create strong links. From problems to solutions usig Marketing, Research, Analysis. Media is a powerful tool to create a desirable Result

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  1 comment for Idea: Effective communication for positive changes

  Submitted by noemachaplin 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Prosecute

  Prosecute top levels (to include Bush) of the Bush administration for war crimes and treason. This should include all who have vocally supported outing CIA agent Valerie Plaine.

  Moving forward means repairing the past. No more excuses, I dont want to see pictures, I want to see procecutions!!!

  5 comments for Idea: Prosecute

  Submitted by quarzacc 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Department of Peace

  A Department of Peace, funded by a percent tax on all war contracts, will serve to organize, educate and facilitate peaceful responses to the causes of war, including famine, poverty, and ignorance. The Department of Peace with be a resource for non-profits, non-governmental and governmental organizations to aid and collaborate on alternative to war. The institution will work in conjunction with the goals of the United ...more »

  A Department of Peace, funded by a percent tax on all war contracts, will serve to organize, educate and facilitate peaceful responses to the causes of war, including famine, poverty, and ignorance. The Department of Peace with be a resource for non-profits, non-governmental and governmental organizations to aid and collaborate on alternative to war. The institution will work in conjunction with the goals of the United Nations and be a vessel of action and education on both global and local scales.

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  74 comments for Idea: Department of Peace

  Submitted by jojarrett 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Establish the Federal Web Technology Managers Council

  Patterned on the CIO Council and the Web Content Managers Council, this new organization would address all aspects of the technology and infrastructure requirements that will be necessary for federal agencies to plan, acquire, develop and implement the platforms and software systems required for the fully articulated Open Government Initiative. Members would be representatives of their agency's CIO/CTO and Web Infrastructure ...more »

  Patterned on the CIO Council and the Web Content Managers Council, this new organization would address all aspects of the technology and infrastructure requirements that will be necessary for federal agencies to plan, acquire, develop and implement the platforms and software systems required for the fully articulated Open Government Initiative.

  Members would be representatives of their agency's CIO/CTO and Web Infrastructure community and would provide liaison, consultation and guidance to the CIO/CTO and to their agencies, in building the infrastructure for collaboration within and among the agencies of the Federal community.

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  2 comments for Idea: Establish the Federal Web Technology Managers Council

  Submitted by Barry E 3 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  FACA and Consensus Building

  Those working to collaborate and build consensus on policy development and solutions and with federal agencies and other governmental programs at the state, local and tribal levels and with stakeholders from the civic and business sectors, have found the FACA, as currently set forth, to be an inhibitor of open collaboration. This has led to contorted collaboration practices where the convener must inform those participating ...more »

  Those working to collaborate and build consensus on policy development and solutions and with federal agencies and other governmental programs at the state, local and tribal levels and with stakeholders from the civic and business sectors, have found the FACA, as currently set forth, to be an inhibitor of open collaboration.

  This has led to contorted collaboration practices where the convener must inform those participating that they can offer their individual opinions but not work together to inform each other of different perspectives, sort through the issues and agree on advisory consensus recommendations.

  An example where this proved to be a major roadblock to progress was in the Everglades restoration conflicts in the early 1990's. Lawyers advising the Department of Interior suggested the FACA prevented a Federal Task Force from meeting jointly with a Governor's Commission made up of a range of stakeholders and federal, state, local and tribal interests. In response to this, Congress passed the 1996 Water Resources Development Act and addressed this by two new provisions:

  1. They recreated the Task Force as one with federal, state, local and tribal representatives;

  2. They provided Everglades restoration consensus building efforts supported by the Task Force with a FACA

  exemption.

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  2 comments for Idea: FACA and Consensus Building

  Submitted by rmjones 4 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Restore and Strengthen the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board

  The President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board (PFIAB) is unique among intelligence oversight entities in that it is composed of private citizens with a mandate to oversee intelligence agency compliance with the law. But in 2008, President Bush issued an executive order that diminished the Board’s authority and independence (and removed the word “Foreign” from its name).50 The Board’s authority should be restored. ...more »

  The President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board (PFIAB) is unique among intelligence oversight entities in that it is composed of private citizens with a mandate to oversee intelligence agency compliance with the law. But in 2008, President Bush issued an executive order that diminished the Board’s authority and independence (and removed the word “Foreign” from its name).50 The Board’s authority should be restored. Equally important, its membership should be composed of individuals who are distinguished by their commitment to upholding the law, including civil liberties, and the integrity of government operations.

  - From the 21st Century RTK Agenda

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  1 comment for Idea: Restore and Strengthen the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board

  Submitted by 21stCenturyRTK 4 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  Establish Web Pages that run live feeds of FACA Meetings & Accept Public Comments

  FACA committee rules should be revised in several areas. 1. At a minimum each committee should have a web page that provides explanatory materials about the Committee's mission, charge and agenda. 2. The web page should allow outside groups to post materials and offer input on the items being considered. 3. Committee meetings should be broadcast on streaming video over the web. 4. Materials should be archived for a ...more »

  FACA committee rules should be revised in several areas.

  1. At a minimum each committee should have a web page that provides explanatory materials about the Committee's mission, charge and agenda.

  2. The web page should allow outside groups to post materials and offer input on the items being considered.

  3. Committee meetings should be broadcast on streaming video over the web.

  4. Materials should be archived for a substantial period of time, especially if the committee is playing a vital role in formulating regulatory policy at the agency level.

  5. Online dialogues should be considered to supplement a broader discussion of ideas and take the process outside the Beltway.

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  1 comment for Idea: Establish Web Pages that run live feeds of FACA Meetings & Accept Public Comments

  Submitted by Unsubscribed User 4 years ago

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  Federal Advisory Committees »

  A suggested structure for New Stratagies and Techniques

  It looks like the White House folks are thinking of incorporating Open Gevernment Dialogue into the formal structure of government. Good for them!

  4 comments for Idea: A suggested structure for New Stratagies and Techniques

  Submitted by johnbrose 4 years ago

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