Grassley Seeks Greater Transparency from Senate Committee Testimony

Press Release

Senator Chuck Grassley introduced legislation last night which would require witnesses who testify before Senate committees to disclose outside affiliations and financial interests in any organizations, including government entities, which are directly related to the topic of the committee proceeding. Grassley's resolution would amend the Standing Rules of the Senate.

The legislation responds to a controversy that unfolded earlier this year when it was learned that a witness who presented himself as a health care economist and professor, who testified before the Senate Committee on Finance in 2009, was also being paid by the administration to promote President Obama's health care proposal.

"The more transparency that can be brought to the work of government, the better, and this legislation works to establish transparency and accountability in Senate committee proceedings," Grassley said. "Reporting requirements don't need to be burdensome in order for the public to know where witnesses are coming from, and the public deserve to know where witnesses are coming from because they can influence the outcome of legislative activity."

Grassley said his reform effort is nonpartisan and the disclosure requirement would apply regardless of which political party holds a majority in the Senate.

Grassley serves as Ranking Member of the Committee on Finance.

Source