Congress Approves Bill Calling for Online Contract, Grants Database

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The House passed by voice vote and sent to President Bush legislation to create a Web site that will give people ready access to information on federal grants and contracts. The government annually awards some $300 billion in grants to 30,000 organizations . There are more than a million contracts awarded that exceed the $25,000 threshold set in the legislation. The bill, introduced in the Senate, had initially been blocked by an anonymous hold. When it was revealed the hold was placed on the bill by Sen. Ted Stevens, R-AK, he withdrew it and the bill was approved by the Senate. Bush has indicated he’ll sign the bill. (9/14/06)