Jasper Packard: “I do share the gentleman's concerns, and I also understand and recall the amendment that was offered, and I believe the…”

“I do share the gentleman's concerns, and I also understand and recall the amendment that was offered, and I believe the amendment was offered in full committee with the best interests of the GAO and the new Comptroller General in mind. However, I am concerned that a study performed now before the new Comptroller General is appointed, which should be later this year, would interfere with the ability of that person to institute their own reforms in the Agency. In deference to the new Comptroller General, whoever that may be, I did ask the gentleman from California to withhold his amendment today. After the new Comptroller General is appointed, we will discuss with him or her whatever studies may be useful. If such a study remains useful for the Agency in the Congress, I would gladly join with the gentleman to invite a reprogramming of funds for that purpose. In addition, a new Comptroller General has not been appointed, and if the subject of the independent study has not been addressed by the time the subcommittee prepares the legislative branch appropriation bill for next year, then I will re-examine this request from the gentleman. In the meantime I would gladly work with the gentleman to try to resolve any problems at the Agency and again will cooperate in every way I can.”