[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 58 (Thursday, May 12, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]


                              {time}  1010
 
                          FULL DISCLOSURE NOW

  (Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, in a two party system, the minority 
party is always the watchdog of the party in power. This check prevents 
abuses of power and ensures accountability.
  However, to be effective, the minority leaders must have access to 
executive branch information. Unfortunately, the Clinton administration 
has denied the minority party access to its records in the Whitewater/
Madison Savings & Loan matter.
  What message does this send?
  I will tell you what type of message it sends. It says that the 
minority party can only investigate what the majority party sees fit.
  Not only is this a blatant act of censorship, but it destroys the 
very notion of accountability.
  This is not just about Whitewater. This is about any investigation 
the minority tries to conduct when the majority party controls the 
White House and Congress.
  So much for accountability.
  The majority's actions are an open invitation for abuse and scandal 
that will leave the public ill-served and in the dark.
  Full disclosure is needed to ensure public accountability. To quote 
an old adage, ``Nothing clears the air better than the glare of broad 
daylight.''
  Let the chips fall where they may. We need full disclosure now.

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