Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the ability of Congress to be a check on the actions of the executive branch is being endangered. One of the tools that we in Congress have created to help the government identify and correct its mistakes is being obstructed. That tool is the vital work of inspectors general. Inspectors general work in nearly 80 Federal agencies. They perform audits, conduct investigations, and issue public reports of their findings and recommendations. They combat waste, fraud, and abuse. Their work is being frustrated, and that is why I am here. To keep an eye on what is happening inside a government agency, the inspector general must be able to access the agency's records. This is exactly what the law calls for. The Inspector General Act of 1978 directs that all inspectors general have a right to access all records, documents, and other materials. ``All'' is not the same as ``some.'' If the inspector general deems a document necessary to do his job, then the agency should turn it over immediately--immediately. But the clear command of that law is being ignored far too often. Agencies partially comply or refuse to turn over materials after a lengthy review and screening process by lawyers for the agency. That is a step not included in the IG law. The examples range from the Environmental Protection Agency to the FBI, and can you believe it, even to the Peace Corps. The excuses vary, but the pattern is very clear.…”