On the recordJune 16, 2011
I rise today to introduce an important new piece of legislation--the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act, or DATA Act. Sine I have been in Washington, I have been frustrated by the lack of transparency and useful spending information to help inform the decision-making process. Our taxpayers deserve to clearly see how their tax dollars are spent. As Chairman of the Budget Committee's Task Force on Government Performance, I have been working to improve the outcomes and results of our Federal investments. Last year, we passed the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act to more frequently track government outcomes and to help reduce overlap and duplication. Today, I will introduce the DATA Act to help bring a new level of transparency to our Federal spending. I want to start by acknowledging the work of the administration and the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board--this legislation was built off the important work they have been leading to reduce waste for the Recovery Act investments. Under Vice President Biden's leadership, supported by the Recovery Board Chairman Earl Devaney--they have established a new standard for government accountability. The results are impressive. Out of more than 200,000 Recovery Act fund recipients--there are only 7 recipients that have not filed their required financial reports.…





