U.S. Congressman Fred Upton

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Government Reform & Oversight

The American people are entitled to a government that is responsive, transparent, and accountable for its actions.

Exercising Oversight, Investigating Solyndra
Congress must live up to its constitutional responsibility to ensure the federal government is accountable to the American people. I led the House’s 18-month investigation of Solyndra, the now-bankrupt California solar company that was the recipient of a $535 million loan guarantee. Our committee’s investigation revealed time and again that the Obama administration ignored the warnings from outside and administration experts, but doubled down with the taxpayers’ money anyway. To ensure that such mismanagement of taxpayer dollars never happens again, I have coauthored the “No More Solyndras Act” which phases out the failed program and puts new provisions in place to ensure greater White House transparency.

Upholding Our Constitution
The size and scope of government has grown far beyond what our Founding Fathers could ever have imagined. To ensure Congress adheres to the Constitution, House Republicans require all legislation to cite its Constitutional authority.

Restoring Transparency and Public Debate
Legislation must be available at least three days before it is voted upon, allowing the public and Members of Congress the opportunity to read and understand the bill. House Republicans have also restored open debate and a transparent process of offering amendments on the House Floor.