Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, as I indicated before, the GAO cited two specific violations by the EPA that did, in fact, violate the Anti- Lobbying Act that was mentioned by my colleague from Minnesota. That occurred during a critical time, as I indicated before. The Anti-Lobbying Act allows agencies to promote their own policies, but it prohibits them from engaging in covert propaganda efforts intended to influence the American public. Our amendment simply reinforces this important law. It will prevent agencies like the EPA from undermining Congress through the use of publicity and propaganda tools that interfere with the lawmaking process. The amendment serves as another important reminder to executive agencies of its proper constitutional role. Congress, not unaccountable Agency bureaucrats, is responsible for writing the laws that our citizens must live by. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, there is an existing prohibition on lobbying. We have agreed with that. It applies to all Federal employees, and it has been in place since 1919. If a Federal employee breaks that, then a Federal employee needs to be held accountable. So, in closing, Mr. Chairman, I believe we do not need an extraneous, redundant provision to a bill that is already overburdened with harmful legislative riders. I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR.…”