Sunlight tells Congress to save transparency sites

Despite criticizing the quality of data posted on federal transparency websites like Data.gov and USASpending.gov, the Sunlight Foundation is urging Congress not to slash funding for the programs.

The government transparency watchdog wrote to the leadership of both parties on Monday voicing their concern about a measure in the House spending bill that would cut funding for the sites from $34 million to $2 million. "An open and accountable government is a prerequisite for democracy. Keeping these programs alive would cost a mere pittance when compared to the value of bringing the federal government into the sunlight," the letter states.