Groups want agencies to post more advisory meetings on the Web

Some government transparency groups are pushing the Obama administration to post online videos, recordings or transcripts of meetings that outside advisers hold to formulate new policies for agencies.

Federal law dictates that agencies ensure the recommendations of advisory committees are accessible to the public. But no mandate or policy requires them to provide online access to discussions at open committee meetings. Some agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Health and Human Services Department have begun webcasting and archiving videos of advisory committee meetings. Government watchdog groups are pressing Congress to pass a bill that would demand all agencies post transcripts or recordings of proceedings shortly after they occur. "It's hugely important to know what's going on," said Gary Bass, executive director of accountability group OMB Watch.