Stimulus package: America’s right to follow up

The Committee on homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a hearing today regarding The Recovery Investment Act and how to follow the trail of money that will be spent. Among the participants were Chairman Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-Conn) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine). Testimony was given by Robert Nabors, Deputy Director Office of Management and Budget.

Lieberman discussed the responsibility of the Committee under the Senate rules which is to study “the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness, of all agencies and departments of the Government.” He stated that it is important to work closely with the Obama Administration on this issue, because the last thing America needs is money, waste, or fraud.

Collins emphasized the importance of spending the stimulus funds effectively and with transparency plus accountability. To achieve this, Congress included strong safeguards in the stimulus bill. She described an example of this which is the funding for agency Inspectors General and the Government Accountability Office, which will act as watchdogs over the government.
Collins also referred to a new website, recovery.com, that has been created to allow every citizen to watch how their tax money is being spent.

Nabors in his testimony further discussed this website and has estimated that it has received over 150 million hits since February the 17th. “ We anticipate that the website will be a valuable resource for tracking their use,” said Nabors.