March 20th, 2009 by Jess

This is embarrassing to write after I was such a government fangirl the other day.  But, sadly, it’s true.

Last Friday, I checked back on the Ways & Means Committee website where, as promised, the subcommittee audio hearing was available to listen to.  Ten hours of constant interruption later, I shut down my computer, hearing untouched.  In accordance with my resolution to procrastinate anything longer than an episode of Babylon 5, I did not listen to the hearing over the weekend.  On Monday afternoon when I arrived at the office, the audio file was gone.

The staff at the subcommittee office were still very polite and prompt at responding to my inquiries.  Nonetheless, the “powers that be” have decided that, according to some rule, the audio is no longer available.

I want to know what the rule is!  I might have been able to get the audio-file with some additional pressure and name-dropping.  But I shouldn’t have to do that – this is our government and our Congress.  This hearing was publicly available (although not when scheduled and then only for one business day).  In several weeks, a full transcript will be made available.  So why exactly are they not allowed to grant access now?

I apologize for my moment of enthusiasm about government accessibility.  Relative to many other governments, ours is open and accessible.  But there is still an awful lot of red tape.

And I learned my lesson.  This week’s hearing is already recorded and awaiting my procrastinatory pleasure.