Homeland Security Committee Approves Bill to Bring More Transparency to Federal Spending
HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO BRING MORE TRANSPARENCY TO FEDERAL SPENDING
Committee Also Approves a DC Land Transfer Bill, Pet Evacuation Legislation, and a Number of Nominations and Post Office Namings
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has approved the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, cosponsored by Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) and Ranking Member Joe Lieberman (D-CT), which would require the federal government to create and maintain a searchable website where the public can view information on how federal funds are spent.
Specifically, the bill would direct the Office of Management and Budget to ensure that a searchable public web site is established that lists federal funding awards, including grants, contracts, and loans. All transactions under $25,000 would be exempted from the reporting requirement, as well as awards that are classified.
"American taxpayers deserve greater transparency in how their tax dollars are spent, because transparency is a key element of accountability. I believe this bill will aid in making this concept a reality," said Senator Collins.
"This proposal builds on my E-Government Act of 2002 by making government information as accessible as possible to the public," Lieberman said. "A searchable database of billions of dollars worth of federal grants, contracts, and loans will increase transparency of federal spending, provide taxpayers with a tool to hold the government accountable, and reduce fraud."
The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act was also approved by the Committee to ensure that state and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency. In addition, the Committee approved the Federal and District of Columbia Government Real Property Act and a number of nominations and postal naming bills.
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