Some of the most important technology programs that keep Washington accountable are in danger of being eliminated. 

Data.gov​, USASpending.gov, the IT Dashboard and other federal data transparency and government accountability programs are facing a massive budget cut, despite only being a tiny fraction of the national budget. 

These programs are funded through the Electronic Government Fund -- and there's a proposal on the table to slash that critical funding from $34 million to just $2 million.

In recent years Congress and the Executive Branch have taken serious steps toward increasing government transparency, but these proposed cuts would put the American people back in the dark. These e-government initiatives help the government operate more effectively and efficiently, which saves taxpayer money and aids oversight. They increase economic opportunities for small business. They also increase citizen knowledge of and involvement in the democratic process.

Fully realized transparency allows us to track every expense and truly understand how money flows to federal programs. Government spending and performance data must be available online, in real time, and in machine-readable formats. 

An open and accountable government is a prerequisite for democracy and keeping these programs alive would cost a mere pittance when compared to the value of bringing the federal government into the sunlight.

Tell leaders in Washington to sustain funding for these vital transparency programs. Help save the data and make sure that Congress doesn’t leave the American people in the dark.