Joe Wilson Demands Audit of Stimulus Funds

November 19, 2009

After a week of reports on blatant inconsistencies in stimulus spending, and a hearing in the House Committee on Oversight and Government, this Administration still has not provided adequate answers as to the whereabouts of stimulus funds. In response to this Administration’s insufficient communication on stimulus spending, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) demands an examination of all stimulus dollars appropriated.

“American taxpayers deserve to know where their hard-earned dollars are being spent,” Congressman Wilson said. “After several days of reports of stimulus inconsistencies, the Administration still hasn’t explained where the money is really being spent. Their silence on this important issue is deafening.”

The Recovery Act includes a provision that allows for the establishment of a Recovery Independent Advisory Panel (RIAP). This panel consists of five presidentially appointed members to advise the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board on how it could prevent fraud, waste, and abuse relating to covered funds. The President has yet to appoint this panel despite widespread stimulus inaccuracies.

“I call on the President to appoint this panel immediately,” said Congressman Wilson. “The Recovery Act is one of the largest spending bills in our nation’s history and it’s critical that we work together to maintain our goals of transparency and accountability.”

If this panel is not appointed by December 1, 2009, Congressman Wilson will call for an outside, independent examination of spending and reporting inaccuracies of every stimulus dollar appropriated.

Congressman Wilson’s letter to President Barack Obama is attached.

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