Taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability to see how their hard-earned dollars are being used. But too often, tax dollars are tainted with waste, fraud, and abuse perpetuated by backroom deals in Congress and incompetence in the federal government.

The American people deserve better. That is why I have made transparency and accountability central to my commitment to fiscal responsibility. In the first week of the 112th Congress, the Rules Package was adopted to make reforms to the way Congress operates. These reforms will work to restore the American people’s trust in government by promoting transparency and openness. To shine the light on government operations and tax dollar use, the House approved reforms such as allowing Members and the public three days time to read bills before a vote and citing Constitutional authority in all legislation. Congress is also increasing transparency in the committee process to promote real representative government for the people.

In 2012, House Republicans launched a new site (http://docs.house.gov) to give the public easier access to a wide spectrum of legislative information in an effort to increase transparency and spur citizen participation. The new site will include bills, resolutions, amendments, conference reports and provide updates on floor proceedings and committee hearings.

I also support the following priorities:

EARMARK REFORM

While some earmarks serve valuable purposes, such as infrastructure and research projects, wasteful earmarks have unfortunately polluted the earmark process. I support a temporary earmark moratorium along with comprehensive earmark reform. To view my earmark reform priorities, click here.

CONGRESSIONAL EXPENSES ONLINE

Congressional Expenses are now available online. I welcome the new expense transparency rules in the House of Representatives and will work to ensure that congressional office expenses fully comply with all disclosure requirements.

To view statements of disbursements, click here. The House of Representatives also highly recommends that viewers read the glossary and frequently asked questions sections prior to attempting to read the statements of disbursements.