Political Quotes

“Madam President, there is finally some sunshine on the Capitol dome today, and it is a welcome change from all the snow we have had this winter, so it is appropriate that this is Sunshine Week. But that is not a reference to the weather. Sunshine Week is a nonpartisan, open-government initiative led by the American Society of News Editors. It is a good time, then, to talk about congressional oversight and the need for Congress to keep a watchful eye on the executive branch. That is what oversight is all about--checks and balances in government. I would like to refer to the President's inaugural address and use it as a benchmark for measuring sunshine in government. President Obama promised in the inaugural address to bring more sunshine to the Federal Government, and I want to quote him. Those of us who manage the public's dollar will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government. So let's just see how what has taken place in the last 15 months measures against this very good standard the President set in the inaugural address. I couldn't agree more with the President on what he said. The government should do its business in the light of day. Unfortunately, in my work, I have noticed no improvement in the openness of the Federal Government.…”