Political Quotes

“more accountability is necessary in the Office of Independent Counsel than this bill provides. The Hyde amendment corrects that. Since 1978 a permanent, indefinite appropriation within justice has existed to fund expenditures by independent counsels. This is a formula for abuse. We have the power today to prevent history from repeating itself. No one should have the unbridled authority possessed by Lawrence Walsh during the Iran-Contra investigation. The General Accounting Office found during its financial audit of Judge Walsh's investigation that many of the expenses incurred were inconsistent with laws and regulations. For instance, GAO computations showed that Mr. Walsh received reimbursements in excess of the amounts he should have received. Based on records provided by Mr. Walsh, GAO calculated that the total amount of unallowable reimbursements for lodging and meals for Judge Walsh was approximately $78,000 more than the allowable per diem rate. For at least his first 2 years as independent counsel, Mr. Walsh was reimbursed for first class air travel--while most businesses are flying their executives economy class. GAO concluded in its report that the problems they found in not only Walsh's investigation but eight other independent counsel investigations "Showed a serious breakdown in the accountability over independent counsel administrative operation." As written, H.R.…”