[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 58 (Thursday, May 12, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
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]

 
                  THE CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

 Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I rise today to offer my support 
for the Congressional Accountability Act as introduced last Wednesday 
by Senators Lieberman and Grassley.
  I am an original cosponsor of this legislation because I believe it 
is unacceptable for Congress to exempt itself from those laws covering 
the executive branch and the private sector. I have received many 
letters from irate constituents who believe that we are applying a 
double standard, by passing laws and then exempting ourselves from 
them. I understand that we face many obstacles regarding the oversight 
and enforcement of such laws, but I believe this bill will allow 
congressional employees to be covered by the same labor and employment 
laws without sacrificing the independence of Congress.
  We all know there is a major Congress-bashing movement sweeping the 
country--I would not be surprised if someone came down here and offered 
an amendment to eliminate our chairs and desks because the American 
people feel that it is an unnecessary perk.
  However, I have no intention of wasting the time of the Senate, 
pandering to the American people with frivolous legislation that states 
that its intention is to ``renew the faith the American people have in 
Congress.'' If we do a good job, work hard, and pass important 
legislation that is fair and practical--that levels the playing field 
for all Americans--we will have the support of the American people.
  The recent outrage with Congress is in some cases warranted. The 
accountability gap for Congress is a real problem that the American 
people have a right to be mad at, and that we can address with this 
legislation. This legislation erases the two-tier legal system we now 
have--one set of laws for Congress and one for the rest of the country. 
We should pass the Congressional Accountability Act, not because the 
Citizens Against Government Waste are telling us to do so, but because 
it is the right thing to do.
  The Congressional Accountability Act makes Congress subject to laws 
regarding employment discrimination, working conditions, health and 
safety issues, and provisions in the Freedom of Information Act and the 
Privacy Act. As many of my colleagues who have supported this 
legislation have stated, this is long overdue. It is only fair that our 
employees are covered under the same laws that govern the rest of the 
country. And further, I believe that Members of Congress will be better 
able to understand the effects of the laws it passes if they are forced 
to live under those same laws.
  This is one of those opportunities to do the right thing and to do 
right by the American people, and I am pleased to be an original 
cosponsor of this important legislation.

                          ____________________