[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMMENDING OPENNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY LEGISLATION

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                          HON. JERRY McNERNEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 13, 2007

  Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I took to the floor in the beginning 
days of the 110th Congress to applaud the aggressive ethics package we 
passed.
  At the time I noted my confidence that those ethics rules were the 
first of many steps that we would take to bring back trust and civility 
to Congress.
  I'm proud that this week the Congress will take several more steps 
forward to promote accountability and openness in government by 
strengthening protections for whistleblowers, providing timely 
responses to Freedom of Information Act requests, restoring access to 
Presidential records, and limiting Federal no-bid contracts.
  I can think of nothing more important than assuring the people we are 
elected to serve that this Congress--and indeed this government--is 
open, ethical and accessible. The measures we will vote on this week 
continue the important work we have already begun. I commend my 
colleagues in bringing forward these important pieces of legislation.

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