Jim Matheson: “first of all I do want to commend Chairman Waxman and the Oversight and Government Reform committee for all the work…”

“first of all I do want to commend Chairman Waxman and the Oversight and Government Reform committee for all the work that they have done this week. The four accountability bills that the House has already considered this week are an important step that Congress should take in order to keep a promise to the American people. A government of the people and by the people should do everything to ensure transparency in Federal Government contracting. That is why I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 1362, the Accountability in Contracting Act. I believe that the public deserves a great level of accountability and transparency in sole source contracting. Now, over the past several years, there has been a great deal of controversy regarding this type of contract. As a businessman, before I came to Congress and as a supporter of business, I believe that there are, indeed, legitimate reasons for this type of contract to be issued. However, I also believe that we need checkpoints in place at times. My amendment anticipates a limited set of circumstances that call for additional scrutiny. It would simply provide Congress with prior notice of any sole source contract expected to be awarded to a foreign-owned company that is based in or has majority operations in a country known to sponsor terrorist activity. The amendment is intended to allow Congress to review and comment on the proposed contract.”