Henry Waxman: “I support this amendment and urge my colleagues to do the same thing. It is appropriate because, under the act, all the…”

“I support this amendment and urge my colleagues to do the same thing. It is appropriate because, under the act, all the gentlewoman from Ohio is asking is that we comply with existing law. It would be a lot easier if we had an administration that would be more forthcoming about the way this all is being handled. The gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) has requested information, as have others, and this administration has refused to comply with the congressional request for information regarding Iraq. During their hearings, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) requested basic information about credit guarantees approved for Iraq; and despite USDA's promise a year ago to coordinate with the Treasury Department to provide these records, no information has been forthcoming. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. I have faced similar difficulties in getting information from the administration about Iraq contracts. It is not just the White House. Yesterday we received some documents from the Defense Department we requested 6 months ago, but DOD still has not sent other documents requested last December. The gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) should get the documents she has requested. She should get those documents if Congress can make informed decisions about extending agricultural credit guarantees to Iraq. In the meantime, it is essential that the administration comply with existing law as this amendment would have them do.”