Dear Friend,

POGO has been covering a lot of ground in the last week.  Here's a sampling of what we've been up to:

• POGO Urges Secretary of Defense to Curb Earmark Spending
  "As it stands right now, the Department of Defense might be given a budget that requires it to buy additional weapon systems the Department does not want, including as many as 800 lesser earmarks, 10 unneeded C-17 aircraft, and an additional DDG-51 destroyer."

• POGO Opposes Nomination of William Magwood to Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  "...if Mr. Magwood were to be confirmed, it would undermine the oversight and regulatory function of the NRC."

• POGO Urges FDA to Take Stronger Action to Ensure Safety of Drugs and Devices
  "The AM2PAT case contains valuable lessons for the FDA. It will be a black mark against the agency if it fails to examine this case promptly and publicly. An unhampered examination and candid report would speak not only to the public but to the FDA, the White House, and the Congress."

You can view all of our latest releases here.

And don't forget about the Whistleblower Film Series: this week, we'll be showing The Insider on Thursday October 22, at 6:30 P.M. in room 2247 of the Rayburn House Office Building.  Starring Russell Crowe and Al Pacino, the film tells the story of Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, a former tobacco executive who comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a "60 Minutes" exposé on the tobacco industry. 

I am particularly excited for our discussion after the screening, which will feature Dr. Wigand himself.  The previous discussions and screenings have been a big success and I hope you can join us this time! You can find out more about The Insider and the Whistleblower Film Series here.

Danielle Brian Executive Director