Nick Lampson: “as we consider today's appropriations bill, we are all mindful of how harmful wasteful government spending is to…”

“as we consider today's appropriations bill, we are all mindful of how harmful wasteful government spending is to hardworking American families. In fact, just this morning I was joined by the majority leader and some of my Blue Dog Coalition colleagues to highlight many of the smart, fiscally responsible initiatives our new majority is pursuing in Congress this year. American citizens expect the Congress to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and when we allow deceptive fiscal practices to continue in our government, we set a bad example for our Nation and create a reckless blueprint for future spending. That is why I have introduced this amendment to today's bill, which will clarify guidelines for premium travel by Department of Commerce employees. The Department's Inspector General March 2007 report showed that these guidelines are not being followed or controlled properly. In fact, the report has a specific section entitled 'The Department Needs to Tighten Controls, Update Guidance for Premium-Class Travel,' and includes very glaring findings, notably numerous instances in which the Department failed to authorize or approve properly premium-class travel.”