Congressman Sander Levin

Government Reform

I strongly believe that one of Congress’ most important responsibilities is to conduct vigorous oversight of the federal government to ensure that laws are being faithfully carried out, that taxpayer’s dollars are well spent, and that allegations of abuse are being thoroughly investigated. 

From day one, the new Congress, lead by the new Democratic majority, has sought to restore and strengthen these vital functions. Recently, the Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve, conducted hearings into an IRS program to contract out debt collection to private companies.  As a result of this hearing, the House of Representatives recently approved [H.R. 3056], the Tax Collection Responsibility Act to repeal the authority for this program and restore accountability to federal tax collection.

I strongly believe Congress must take action to put its own house in order and strongly supported the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 [S.1], which includes comprehensive ethics, lobbying, and earmark reform.  This bill, which was signed into law, includes provisions to end the tight-knit relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers, bring transparency to lobbyists’ activities, and deny taxpayer-funded pension benefits to Members of Congress convicted of corruption.

• Cracking Down on Government Credit Card Abuse
• Fair and Representative Presidential Primaries