Transparency and Government Reform
Good government is best characterized by openness, honesty and integrity. Transparency in government promotes accountability and helps foster public trust. As Justice Brandeis said, “Sunlight is the best of disinfectants.” That’s why I have made government reform, transparency and fiscal responsibility priorities during my time in Congress.
As founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Transparency Caucus, I have worked hard to make the federal government more accessible and open to the public. My comprehensive transparency legislation, the Transparency in Government Act (TGA), includes reforms that will shine a light on every branch of the federal government, strengthening our democracy and promoting an efficient, effective and open government. I have also prioritized legislation that would allow public access to CRS reports and have called on the Supreme Court to allow cameras in the courtroom.
The mission of government matters, and the work we do matters; however, we can’t lead effectively if we don’t have the people’s trust. Providing the tools the people need to hold our government officials accountable is the best way to ensure the public remains our most diligent watchdog and help rebuild the people’s trust in our government.
Rep. Quigley speaks at a rally for cameras in the courtroom outside of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Rep. Quigley urges his colleagues on the House floor to support House Resolution 34, a bill that would make non-confidential CRS reports public.
Rep. Quigley argues for public access to non-confidential CRS reports in an opinion piece for TIME Magazine in November 2015.