Pork? What pork?

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: JD50
Yes it is hypocritical of the Republicans to all of the sudden take a stand against pork, it is also hypocritical of the Democrats to completely ignore it.

This has already been shown to be complete bull.

You and your ilk aren't doing so well anymore. :laugh:

You're right, they are doing more than completely ignoring it, they are promoting it.

If it pisses you off then I'll borrow your heroe's own words "They're doing a heck of a job" :thumbsup:

 

[JD50]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: JD50
Yes it is hypocritical of the Republicans to all of the sudden take a stand against pork, it is also hypocritical of the Democrats to completely ignore it.

This has already been shown to be complete bull.

You and your ilk aren't doing so well anymore. :laugh:

You're right, they are doing more than completely ignoring it, they are promoting it.

If it pisses you off then I'll borrow your heroe's own words "They're doing a heck of a job" :thumbsup:

At least its keeping me entertained, watching you and your buddies apologize for the Dems

 

[techs]

Anyone who supports the current system where big money wins elections has NO RIGHT TO CRITICIZE PORK.
You are getting JUST WHAT YOU DESERVE.

 

[First]

More intellectual dishonesty on the right. No surprises here.

 

[Strk]

Originally posted by: Genx87
They are the party of change, change things around to cover up pork spending apparently.

Did that agency even do anything to expose any of it? Did it stop the ability to add earmarks anonymously?

The truth is, the parties really aren't any different when it comes to waste -- only their rhetoric.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Evan Lieb
More intellectual dishonesty on the right. No surprises here.

intellectual dishonesty by who? coburn? he's the guy quoted. so it must be him. but he's always been against pork. so, who is dishonest?

 

[umbrella39]

:laugh:

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Strk

Originally posted by: Genx87
They are the party of change, change things around to cover up pork spending apparently.

Did that agency even do anything to expose any of it? Did it stop the ability to add earmarks anonymously?

The truth is, the parties really aren't any different when it comes to waste -- only their rhetoric.

it was the primary scorekeeper of earmarks. so yes, they did expose the earmark pork. and now it isn't doing that anymore.

and, speaking of pork and hypocrisy

The emergency war-funding provision included $74 million for the peanut industry, $124 million for the shrimp industry and $25 million for spinach producers.

though, CRS says dems didn't pressure it to drop it's practice, so this thread is now about bacon.

 

[Rainsford]

Does it seem like maybe the righties should have waited a LITTLE bit longer before jumping all over the Democrats for doing the same kinds of stupid bullshit the Republicans just spent the last 6 years doing? Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big fan of this kind of thing...I was hoping for real change in government, not the same thing with a different letter after it. But you Republicans don't get to say that unless you spoke out against it when your heroes were doing the same crap. And by my count, that's approximately none of you.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: JD50
Yes it is hypocritical of the Republicans to all of the sudden take a stand against pork, it is also hypocritical of the Democrats to completely ignore it.

This has already been shown to be complete bull.

You and your ilk aren't doing so well anymore. :laugh:

You're right, they are doing more than completely ignoring it, they are promoting it.

If it pisses you off then I'll borrow your heroe's own words "They're doing a heck of a job" :thumbsup:

At least its keeping me entertained, watching you and your buddies apologize for the Dems

Good, you stay entertained in a corner somwhere. :laugh:

 

[her209]

STATEMENT OF SENATOR BARACK OBAMA
SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION, AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
JULY 18, 2006

Thank you, Chairman Coburn and Ranking Member Carper. It?s a privilege to appear before this Subcommittee and testify with Senator McCain.

I?m still relatively new to Washington. But even during my short time in the Senate, I?ve been surprised and shocked by the examples of government waste, fraud, and abuse that we?ve seen, particularly at a time when this country?s most vulnerable citizens need to see government at its best. In the aftermath of Katrina, we have not seen government at its best, and all Americans ? but in particular, the people of the Gulf Coast ? deserve better.

It?s been embarrassing to hear about the government paying 15 times more than the market price for plastic tarps to cover damaged roofs in New Orleans, or paying 5 times too much for debris removal, or contracting with vendors for ice or transportation services who don?t even have the relevant experience or equipment.

How can we expect the American people to have confidence in us when all they hear about is overcharging and overpayments, pork-barrel projects like the Bridge to Nowhere, and money being wasted on frivolous expenses? How can we expect them to have confidence when the Administration and Congress seem unwilling or unable really to hold people accountable?

But these problems are probably only the tip of the iceberg. I don?t think any of us really know how much more waste is out there. Remarkably, as Chairman Coburn and I have discovered, it?s often not possible to get good information about Federal grants and contracts even when you?re a U.S. Senator. There are several different databases of Federal spending information, but they all work differently, they are all incomplete, and there is no way to see the full picture of government spending. The lack of transparency over the use of Federal resources is simply appalling.

And if we as Senators can?t get this information, you can be sure that the American people know even less. All of us should be able to figure out easily how tax money is spent. We have a right to know how the Federal government is managing its fiscal resources. We have a right to insist upon answers to reasonable questions about where and how our tax dollars are used.

This is not a partisan issue. Money that is lost to waste or abuse is money that cannot be used for any policy priority. Every dollar that is wasted is a dollar that cannot be used for reducing the deficit, investing in health and education, or eliminating child poverty. All of our priorities are compromised and shortchanged when Federal funds are not managed prudently.

Whether you believe the government ought to spend more money or spend less, you should certainly be able to agree that the government ought to spend every penny efficiently and transparently. Democrats and Republicans can all agree that wasteful spending is unacceptable, whether it?s by FEMA, HUD, DOD, or any other federal agency.

Fortunately, the solution is really quite simple. All we have to do is shine a little light on government spending, and the bill that Chairman Coburn and I have introduced would do just that. The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act requires that all Federal financial transactions be open to public scrutiny. The same way the American people have a right to hear about the Bridge to Nowhere, they also have a right to know how much money has gone to Halliburton, or to debris removal companies in New Orleans, or to environmental nonprofits, or to religious organizations, or to any other public or private entities. We have a right to know where and how Federal funds are being used.

If government spending can?t withstand public scrutiny, then the money shouldn?t be spent. If a government agency isn?t willing to be held accountable for the grants or contracts it awards, then that agency shouldn?t have control over Federal resources.

Now, transparency isn?t the solution to all of our problems. It wouldn?t have stopped FEMA from spending $880 million on temporary housing trailers that are now sinking and rusting away in Arkansas. Nor will transparency by itself prevent Federal relief monies from being used to perform sex-change operations or to take Caribbean vacations.

But transparency is the first step to holding government accountable for its actions. Transparency is a prerequisite to oversight and financial control. Transparency is essential if we are to do something about the billions of taxpayer dollars being spent with no assurances that the funds are going where they are needed. We can?t reduce waste, fraud and abuse without knowing how, where, and why Federal money is flowing out the door.

This bill will provide that transparency. And not just to members of Congress. Anybody with access to the Internet will be able to see how Federal funds are being spent. They?ll be able to search by the name of the entity that receives funding, by the purpose of the funding, by industry, or by location. They?ll be able to see whether it?s a grant, a contract, a loan, or another form of financial assistance. Ordinary citizens can join members of Congress as watchdogs of how their money is being spent.

When you describe this proposal to people on the street, they?re all a little mystified that this isn?t actually law yet. That?s why this bill has been supported by newspapers around the country and a broad range of groups from across the political spectrum. It?s time for the Senate to pass this bill, and I applaud this Subcommittee for holding this hearing.

In closing, I?d like to thank my good friend, Chairman Coburn, and your staff for your leadership on this issue. I?m glad to have been a partner with you, not only on this important piece of legislation, but also on other ways to improve transparency and accountability. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the months and years to come. Thank you.

:thumbsup:

 

[ProfJohn]

Originally posted by: Rainsford
Does it seem like maybe the righties should have waited a LITTLE bit longer before jumping all over the Democrats for doing the same kinds of stupid bullshit the Republicans just spent the last 6 years doing? Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big fan of this kind of thing...I was hoping for real change in government, not the same thing with a different letter after it. But you Republicans don't get to say that unless you spoke out against it when your heroes were doing the same crap. And by my count, that's approximately none of you.

It?s all about the hypocrisy. Democrats claimed that they would do things differently, but now that they are in power they are back peddling on most of their promises.
Closing down or ending the practice of this agency just makes it easier on them to insert pork.

BOTH sides suck when it comes to spending our money.

 

[shadow9d9]

I saw this on the news in a restaurant the other day... surprised no one posted about it.. it made me absolutely nauseous.

 

[her209]

link

Embattled CRS Director Speaks Out on Earmarks

A Wall Street Journal column on March 26 reported that the Congressional Research Service "will no longer respond to requests from members of Congress on the size, number of background of [budget] earmarks." The new CRS policy, the Journal article alleged, "is helping its masters hide wasteful spending."

"The article is replete with mischaracterizations of CRS work and policies," wrote CRS Director Daniel P. Mulhollan in a memo to all CRS staff (pdf). "Such attacks on our independence cannot go unanswered."

Mr. Mulhollan defended his agency in a letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal, circulated with his March 26 memo. A copy was obtained by Secrecy News.

The Journal article "gratuitously alludes to issues related to public access to CRS work," Mr. Mulhollan wrote in his letter. "The restriction on publication of CRS work was established long ago by Congress. CRS internal policies regarding distribution of its products ensure compliance with congressional directives. We leave to Members and committees the discretion to share CRS products how and when they wish."

"CRS has recently been subjected to much scrutiny because we have not shied away from analysis of controversial issues," Director Mulhollan told CRS staff.

 

[grrl]

COBURN: Well no, I would agree with you that there is pork on both sides of the aisle. But the problem is ? the battle that's shaping up is can we can afford to do things that aren't absolutely necessary now when we're borrowing the money from our grandchildren.

So the Democrats are the only ones mortgaging the future?

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: her209

STATEMENT OF SENATOR BARACK OBAMA
SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION, AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
JULY 18, 2006

Thank you, Chairman Coburn and Ranking Member Carper. It?s a privilege to appear before this Subcommittee and testify with Senator McCain.

I?m still relatively new to Washington. But even during my short time in the Senate, I?ve been surprised and shocked by the examples of government waste, fraud, and abuse that we?ve seen, particularly at a time when this country?s most vulnerable citizens need to see government at its best. In the aftermath of Katrina, we have not seen government at its best, and all Americans ? but in particular, the people of the Gulf Coast ? deserve better.

It?s been embarrassing to hear about the government paying 15 times more than the market price for plastic tarps to cover damaged roofs in New Orleans, or paying 5 times too much for debris removal, or contracting with vendors for ice or transportation services who don?t even have the relevant experience or equipment.

How can we expect the American people to have confidence in us when all they hear about is overcharging and overpayments, pork-barrel projects like the Bridge to Nowhere, and money being wasted on frivolous expenses? How can we expect them to have confidence when the Administration and Congress seem unwilling or unable really to hold people accountable?

But these problems are probably only the tip of the iceberg. I don?t think any of us really know how much more waste is out there. Remarkably, as Chairman Coburn and I have discovered, it?s often not possible to get good information about Federal grants and contracts even when you?re a U.S. Senator. There are several different databases of Federal spending information, but they all work differently, they are all incomplete, and there is no way to see the full picture of government spending. The lack of transparency over the use of Federal resources is simply appalling.

And if we as Senators can?t get this information, you can be sure that the American people know even less. All of us should be able to figure out easily how tax money is spent. We have a right to know how the Federal government is managing its fiscal resources. We have a right to insist upon answers to reasonable questions about where and how our tax dollars are used.

This is not a partisan issue. Money that is lost to waste or abuse is money that cannot be used for any policy priority. Every dollar that is wasted is a dollar that cannot be used for reducing the deficit, investing in health and education, or eliminating child poverty. All of our priorities are compromised and shortchanged when Federal funds are not managed prudently.

Whether you believe the government ought to spend more money or spend less, you should certainly be able to agree that the government ought to spend every penny efficiently and transparently. Democrats and Republicans can all agree that wasteful spending is unacceptable, whether it?s by FEMA, HUD, DOD, or any other federal agency.

Fortunately, the solution is really quite simple. All we have to do is shine a little light on government spending, and the bill that Chairman Coburn and I have introduced would do just that. The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act requires that all Federal financial transactions be open to public scrutiny. The same way the American people have a right to hear about the Bridge to Nowhere, they also have a right to know how much money has gone to Halliburton, or to debris removal companies in New Orleans, or to environmental nonprofits, or to religious organizations, or to any other public or private entities. We have a right to know where and how Federal funds are being used.

If government spending can?t withstand public scrutiny, then the money shouldn?t be spent. If a government agency isn?t willing to be held accountable for the grants or contracts it awards, then that agency shouldn?t have control over Federal resources.

Now, transparency isn?t the solution to all of our problems. It wouldn?t have stopped FEMA from spending $880 million on temporary housing trailers that are now sinking and rusting away in Arkansas. Nor will transparency by itself prevent Federal relief monies from being used to perform sex-change operations or to take Caribbean vacations.

But transparency is the first step to holding government accountable for its actions. Transparency is a prerequisite to oversight and financial control. Transparency is essential if we are to do something about the billions of taxpayer dollars being spent with no assurances that the funds are going where they are needed. We can?t reduce waste, fraud and abuse without knowing how, where, and why Federal money is flowing out the door.

This bill will provide that transparency. And not just to members of Congress. Anybody with access to the Internet will be able to see how Federal funds are being spent. They?ll be able to search by the name of the entity that receives funding, by the purpose of the funding, by industry, or by location. They?ll be able to see whether it?s a grant, a contract, a loan, or another form of financial assistance. Ordinary citizens can join members of Congress as watchdogs of how their money is being spent.

When you describe this proposal to people on the street, they?re all a little mystified that this isn?t actually law yet. That?s why this bill has been supported by newspapers around the country and a broad range of groups from across the political spectrum. It?s time for the Senate to pass this bill, and I applaud this Subcommittee for holding this hearing.

In closing, I?d like to thank my good friend, Chairman Coburn, and your staff for your leadership on this issue. I?m glad to have been a partner with you, not only on this important piece of legislation, but also on other ways to improve transparency and accountability. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the months and years to come. Thank you.

:thumbsup:

:thumbsdown:
Until we change a system where money decides elections and the businesses and groups that donate that money have more power than the people the situation will NOT change.

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: techs
troll

btw a Republican criticizing pork is the best laugh of the day. The Republicans just got thru breaking every record for pork in their years in power.

tom coburn hates pork. but don't let facts stand in the way of your politics.

Originally posted by: senseamp
Obviously that agency wasn't accomplishing much during the Republican years.

all the agency was supposed to do was track it. and they did that. what do you want, for them to step outside of their authority?

Originally posted by: JD50
Yes it is hypocritical of the Republicans to all of the sudden take a stand against pork, it is also hypocritical of the Democrats to completely ignore it.

keep in mind that tom coburn, the particular republican in question, has always been against pork, so he is not hypocritical.

tom coburn hates pork. but don't let facts stand in the way of your politics
Yeah, he did a great job keeping the pork down during the Republican years.
NOT.

 

[Ryan]

Americans don't care about pork.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Rainsford
Does it seem like maybe the righties should have waited a LITTLE bit longer before jumping all over the Democrats for doing the same kinds of stupid bullshit the Republicans just spent the last 6 years doing? Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big fan of this kind of thing...I was hoping for real change in government, not the same thing with a different letter after it. But you Republicans don't get to say that unless you spoke out against it when your heroes were doing the same crap. And by my count, that's approximately none of you.

coburn has been jumping on republicans for pork since he was elected.

and if you think all the 'righties' on here have been giving their 'heroes' a free pass on pork you're just being a hack.

Originally posted by: techs
tom coburn hates pork. but don't let facts stand in the way of your politics[/b]
Yeah, he did a great job keeping the pork down during the Republican years.
NOT.

one freshman senator (elected 2004) can't do much by himself, hack.

there is definitely an anti-pork wing to the republican party, unfortunately it was stabbed in the back by delay and ted stevens, etc.

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: Rainsford
Does it seem like maybe the righties should have waited a LITTLE bit longer before jumping all over the Democrats for doing the same kinds of stupid bullshit the Republicans just spent the last 6 years doing? Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big fan of this kind of thing...I was hoping for real change in government, not the same thing with a different letter after it. But you Republicans don't get to say that unless you spoke out against it when your heroes were doing the same crap. And by my count, that's approximately none of you.

coburn has been jumping on republicans for pork since he was elected.

and if you think all the 'righties' on here have been giving their 'heroes' a free pass on pork you're just being a hack.

Originally posted by: techs
tom coburn hates pork. but don't let facts stand in the way of your politics[/b]
Yeah, he did a great job keeping the pork down during the Republican years.
NOT.

one freshman senator (elected 2004) can't do much by himself, hack.

there is definitely an anti-pork wing to the republican party, unfortunately it was stabbed in the back by delay and ted stevens, etc.

So there are a few in politicos of each party that are against pork. Usually they are independently wealthy like Tom Coburn, a successful medical doctor. And anyone who thinks Tom Coburn is a good representitive, just look at his wacky ideas like proposing a law that would allow a doctor to demand you take an hiv test before he will treat you.
Or his belief in the death penalty....for doctors who perform abortions, or that homosexuality is the "biggest threat" America faces.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: techs
So there are a few in politicos of each party that are against pork. Usually they are independently wealthy like Tom Coburn, a successful medical doctor. And anyone who thinks Tom Coburn is a good representitive, just look at his wacky ideas like proposing a law that would allow a doctor to demand you take an hiv test before he will treat you.
Or his belief in the death penalty....for doctors who perform abortions, or that homosexuality is the "biggest threat" America faces.

so what? i thought this thread was about pork? is crusading against pork a bad idea because coburn has some bad ideas? that's what i get out of your post.

 

[JD50]

Originally posted by: techs

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: Rainsford
Does it seem like maybe the righties should have waited a LITTLE bit longer before jumping all over the Democrats for doing the same kinds of stupid bullshit the Republicans just spent the last 6 years doing? Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big fan of this kind of thing...I was hoping for real change in government, not the same thing with a different letter after it. But you Republicans don't get to say that unless you spoke out against it when your heroes were doing the same crap. And by my count, that's approximately none of you.

coburn has been jumping on republicans for pork since he was elected.

and if you think all the 'righties' on here have been giving their 'heroes' a free pass on pork you're just being a hack.

Originally posted by: techs
tom coburn hates pork. but don't let facts stand in the way of your politics[/b]
Yeah, he did a great job keeping the pork down during the Republican years.
NOT.

one freshman senator (elected 2004) can't do much by himself, hack.

there is definitely an anti-pork wing to the republican party, unfortunately it was stabbed in the back by delay and ted stevens, etc.

So there are a few in politicos of each party that are against pork. Usually they are independently wealthy like Tom Coburn, a successful medical doctor. And anyone who thinks Tom Coburn is a good representitive, just look at his wacky ideas like proposing a law that would allow a doctor to demand you take an hiv test before he will treat you.
Or his belief in the death penalty....for doctors who perform abortions, or that homosexuality is the "biggest threat" America faces.

The apologist is strong in this one....

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: techs
troll

btw a Republican criticizing pork is the best laugh of the day. The Republicans just got thru breaking every record for pork in their years in power.

Shivetya has been denouncing both parties due to pork spending, just because you are a partisan hack does not mean that everyone else is.

QFT... both parties are equally bad, because they have the same exact incentives. It's bulsh!t no matter what side you look at.

 

[JD50]

Originally posted by: halik

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: techs
troll

btw a Republican criticizing pork is the best laugh of the day. The Republicans just got thru breaking every record for pork in their years in power.

Shivetya has been denouncing both parties due to pork spending, just because you are a partisan hack does not mean that everyone else is.

QFT... both parties are equally bad, because they have the same exact incentives. It's bulsh!t no matter what side you look at.

Yea, its pretty sickening how they are blatantly buying votes, and no one seems to give a damn.

 

[Mxylplyx]

Originally posted by: techs

Originally posted by: her209

STATEMENT OF SENATOR BARACK OBAMA
SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION, AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
JULY 18, 2006

Thank you, Chairman Coburn and Ranking Member Carper. It?s a privilege to appear before this Subcommittee and testify with Senator McCain.

I?m still relatively new to Washington. But even during my short time in the Senate, I?ve been surprised and shocked by the examples of government waste, fraud, and abuse that we?ve seen, particularly at a time when this country?s most vulnerable citizens need to see government at its best. In the aftermath of Katrina, we have not seen government at its best, and all Americans ? but in particular, the people of the Gulf Coast ? deserve better.

It?s been embarrassing to hear about the government paying 15 times more than the market price for plastic tarps to cover damaged roofs in New Orleans, or paying 5 times too much for debris removal, or contracting with vendors for ice or transportation services who don?t even have the relevant experience or equipment.

How can we expect the American people to have confidence in us when all they hear about is overcharging and overpayments, pork-barrel projects like the Bridge to Nowhere, and money being wasted on frivolous expenses? How can we expect them to have confidence when the Administration and Congress seem unwilling or unable really to hold people accountable?

But these problems are probably only the tip of the iceberg. I don?t think any of us really know how much more waste is out there. Remarkably, as Chairman Coburn and I have discovered, it?s often not possible to get good information about Federal grants and contracts even when you?re a U.S. Senator. There are several different databases of Federal spending information, but they all work differently, they are all incomplete, and there is no way to see the full picture of government spending. The lack of transparency over the use of Federal resources is simply appalling.

And if we as Senators can?t get this information, you can be sure that the American people know even less. All of us should be able to figure out easily how tax money is spent. We have a right to know how the Federal government is managing its fiscal resources. We have a right to insist upon answers to reasonable questions about where and how our tax dollars are used.

This is not a partisan issue. Money that is lost to waste or abuse is money that cannot be used for any policy priority. Every dollar that is wasted is a dollar that cannot be used for reducing the deficit, investing in health and education, or eliminating child poverty. All of our priorities are compromised and shortchanged when Federal funds are not managed prudently.

Whether you believe the government ought to spend more money or spend less, you should certainly be able to agree that the government ought to spend every penny efficiently and transparently. Democrats and Republicans can all agree that wasteful spending is unacceptable, whether it?s by FEMA, HUD, DOD, or any other federal agency.

Fortunately, the solution is really quite simple. All we have to do is shine a little light on government spending, and the bill that Chairman Coburn and I have introduced would do just that. The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act requires that all Federal financial transactions be open to public scrutiny. The same way the American people have a right to hear about the Bridge to Nowhere, they also have a right to know how much money has gone to Halliburton, or to debris removal companies in New Orleans, or to environmental nonprofits, or to religious organizations, or to any other public or private entities. We have a right to know where and how Federal funds are being used.

If government spending can?t withstand public scrutiny, then the money shouldn?t be spent. If a government agency isn?t willing to be held accountable for the grants or contracts it awards, then that agency shouldn?t have control over Federal resources.

Now, transparency isn?t the solution to all of our problems. It wouldn?t have stopped FEMA from spending $880 million on temporary housing trailers that are now sinking and rusting away in Arkansas. Nor will transparency by itself prevent Federal relief monies from being used to perform sex-change operations or to take Caribbean vacations.

But transparency is the first step to holding government accountable for its actions. Transparency is a prerequisite to oversight and financial control. Transparency is essential if we are to do something about the billions of taxpayer dollars being spent with no assurances that the funds are going where they are needed. We can?t reduce waste, fraud and abuse without knowing how, where, and why Federal money is flowing out the door.

This bill will provide that transparency. And not just to members of Congress. Anybody with access to the Internet will be able to see how Federal funds are being spent. They?ll be able to search by the name of the entity that receives funding, by the purpose of the funding, by industry, or by location. They?ll be able to see whether it?s a grant, a contract, a loan, or another form of financial assistance. Ordinary citizens can join members of Congress as watchdogs of how their money is being spent.

When you describe this proposal to people on the street, they?re all a little mystified that this isn?t actually law yet. That?s why this bill has been supported by newspapers around the country and a broad range of groups from across the political spectrum. It?s time for the Senate to pass this bill, and I applaud this Subcommittee for holding this hearing.

In closing, I?d like to thank my good friend, Chairman Coburn, and your staff for your leadership on this issue. I?m glad to have been a partner with you, not only on this important piece of legislation, but also on other ways to improve transparency and accountability. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the months and years to come. Thank you.

:thumbsup:

:thumbsdown:
Until we change a system where money decides elections and the businesses and groups that donate that money have more power than the people the situation will NOT change.

Agreed