During President Obama’s remarks at the United Nations this morning, he called on all governments to promote a high standard of transparency and openness saying, “The common thread of progress is the principle that government is accountable to its citizens.” Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement in response.

“It’s highly troubling that the President would take to the world stage to promote the importance of accountable government while ignoring the actions of his own administration and a Democrat-controlled Congress back in Washington,” said Congressman Price. “From a failed stimulus package to the health care takeover and the unmitigated spending spree that is bankrupting our nation, Democrats have habitually slammed the door shut to an open legislative process and ignored the will of the American people. They have put their own priorities ahead of the people they were elected to serve.

“The United States remains a beacon of freedom, and we have shown what a nation can achieve when elected officials lead with the consent of the governed. Unfortunately, as of late, there have been too many instances in which backroom deal-making and the pursuit of a clearly unpopular big government agenda has undermined this ideal. This nation should continue to lead the way in showing that open, accountable government is what is required for a free and prosperous nation. Simple rhetoric in front of a world audience is no substitute for real accountability here at home.