Legislation to create a central database that will track all sorts of federal spending passed the Senate last night, ending a dizzying turn of events in which a handful of senators placed and removed opposition to the bill since it cleared a committee in late July.
The bill, S 2590, passed unanimously despite news that another unnamed senator placed a hold—which would prevent it from coming to the floor for a vote—last week.
Under the bill, OMB must develop a public, searchable database with information on federal contracts, subcontracts, grants, subgrants, loans and other financial assistance.
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), the bill’s chief sponsor, applauded the vote.
“This bill is a small but significant step toward changing the culture in Washington,” Coburn said. “Only by fostering a culture of openness, transparency and accountability will Congress come together to address the mounting fiscal challenges that threaten our future prosperity.”
