Senate OKs Online Expenditure Proposal

Sen Tom Coburn (R-OK) on Monday successfully pushed through an amendment to the $3.1 billion FY 2010 legislative branch appropriations bill that he argued would make it easier for the public to examine Senate expenses, such as salaries for staff, travel and office operations. Those records are already computerized but his plan would make the files available online for public review. Senate Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman Bill Nelson (D-Nebraska) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) supported the proposal and agreed to a limited debate on the issue. Sen Coburn said his amendment would help the Senate "lead by example" and rein in spending within individual offices while providing much needed public accountability for taxpayer dollars. "I'm just as frugal with their money in my office as I am on the floor," said Sen Coburn, who routinely objects to congressional spending sprees and has earned the nickname "Dr. No." Meanwhile, a similar effort in the House has been delayed due to "security and support issues" that the House Administration Committee says must resolved before so-called "statement of disbursements" are made available in an electronic format.