On the recordSeptember 20, 2016
I thank the gentleman from Georgia for bringing this bill forward. Mr. Speaker, the GAO provides invaluable aid to Congress in conducting our constitutional duty to oversee and evaluate the executive branch. To do its job effectively, the GAO needs timely access to agencies' documents, materials, and other information. The bill before us would ensure the GAO's access to the National Directory of New Hires, a valuable database of wage and employment information. Access to this database would assist the GAO in its improper payment and fraud work as well as in evaluating programs in which eligibility is being means tested. The bill would also explicitly provide the GAO with standing to pursue litigation if an entity in the executive branch improperly denies the GAO access to information. Mr. Speaker, similar bills have passed the House by wide margins in a number of previous Congresses. These are needed reforms, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
