Quotes

Claire believes that one way to reduce government spending is to target government contractors. Government contracting is a trillion dollar industry but has been given little oversight from the Bush Administration. One way to improve oversight is to strengthen the overseers - the Inspectors General (IG) for federal departments and agencies. Claire and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced a bill to give the IGs more independence and eliminate inappropriate influence from the agencies they oversee. The Inspector General Reform Act (S. 2324) passed committee in November 2007 and is awaiting a final vote on the Senate floor. In addition, Claire supports legislation for tougher oversight of contracts, including eliminating the practice of no-bid contracting and banning the practice of giving contractors bonuses even when they don't finish the job or when they don't do it right or on time.