I have been trying to get information about the status of the confirmation of James Boarman as 26th U.S. Public Printer. There have been comments posted following the hearing (all positive) but I have been unable to get the committee to respond. Silly me, I thought I could do a Freedom of Information Act request to get all relevant information. Never having done one before as a journalist, I was surprised to learn that Congress, when it passed the Act, exempted itself. It only applies to the Executive Branch! With that avenue of inquiry unavailable, I sent email requests to the chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and the ranking member, Sen. Bennett. No response. So much for transparency in government. My question is, were ALL comments posted or only the positive ones? We may never know and they apparently are not required to let us know. I also understand that subsequent questions were submitted to Mr. Boarman following the committee hearing. Do we have the right to see those questions and their answers?
I am still digging but not hopeful. I suppose the next thing we will hear is that the confirmation was approved by the full Senate and that will be that.
I am not necessarily pro or con with regard to Mr. Boarman's competency to serve in this position. I am merely seeking enough information to have an informed opinion. The waiting game continues ...
Discussion
By Lithoman on Jun 30, 2010
The fix is in.
By Bill Alpert on Jun 30, 2010
It's gotta be the best printing gig around