On the recordJanuary 13, 2010
In closing, before I yield back, I just want to say that I understand the spirit in which the gentleman from Ohio has brought this issue forward. I do understand the central role that oversight and investigation have in this Congress. It is the only way that we can make sure that the executive follows the legislative mandate of Congress and that the resources provided by the taxpayer are properly used to limit fraud, waste and abuse. So I understand the spirit in which he acts. I think his desire for transparency is spot on, and I agree with it. I think the position of the chairman, Mr. Towns of New York, is that we have included a provision in another bill recently passed that would provide for all of that. I understand, however, that the belt-and-suspenders approach that the gentleman would like to see, which is, let's put it in every bill that we send over there, is germane. And I respect that urgency. However, I do in this case agree with the chairman that we have addressed those concerns in the other bill, and we will need to be diligent in making sure that the effect of that language is carried into law.
