Charles Taylor: “I am pleased to be here today--a new day in Congress--where Members will finally open the doors of the House to greater…”

“I am pleased to be here today--a new day in Congress--where Members will finally open the doors of the House to greater public input and disclosure. The idea of the House audit was a brainchild of the Gang of Seven. I am delighted to join my fellow gang members here today and am pleased that the leadership included our idea in the rules package. I am not even sure why we are debating this issue. If a company the size of the House of Representatives did not report the activities of its officers and directors to its shareholders, it would not survive-- disclosure is a key component to gaining the public trust essential for survival in a market economy. It is ridiculous not to support this proposal. The American people are the shareholders of our American Government and deserve to know the activities of their Representatives. Members of the House have been embarrassed and distracted by scandals in its bank, post office, and other departments. An independent inspector general would conduct audits to expose fraud, waste, and abuse. I wholeheartedly support a comprehensive House audit and urge my colleagues to do likewise. It is a proposal that will ensure that the House of Representatives remains The People's House.”