Joni Ernst insists on Biden administration enforcing public price tag rule for transparent federal spending
Sen. Joni Ernst Demands Transparency in Federal Spending
In an exclusive statement to the Washington Examiner, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is calling on the Biden administration to enforce a public price tag rule, aiming to bring transparency to federal spending. As the ranking member on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Ernst sent a letter to the administrator of the Small Business Administration, Isabel Casillas Guzman, criticizing the agency for failing to implement a provision she requested in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.
“It’s a simple concept: If the public is being asked to pay for something, taxpayers deserve to know the price,” Ernst emphasized. “The SBA gives out more than $290 million in recurring grants a year. That’s a lot of money. Taxpayers should be able to decide for themselves if they are getting a good deal on the dollars they are sending to Washington. Right now, we have no way of doing that because negligent bureaucrats at Biden’s SBA are refusing to follow the law.”
Ernst’s letter to Guzman, a Biden official appointed in March 2021, coincides with Sunshine Week, an annual celebration of government transparency and public access to information. The senator argues that the SBA’s existing terms and conditions do not align with the statutory requirements in the 2023 appropriations act, despite the agency’s claims.
According to the provision, any expenses covered by an SBA grant must clearly disclose the percentage and dollar amount of federal funds used, as well as the percentage and dollar amounts financed by nongovernmental sources. Ernst points out that the SBA’s proposed actions do not require specific funding data to be included in statements, press releases, requests for proposals, and other communications.
Ernst is demanding a response from the SBA on how they plan to implement these requirements by May 1. She emphasizes that the SBA has a responsibility to provide guidance and monitor grantee compliance to ensure transparency in federal funding distribution.
“SBA must ensure all grantees publicly display how much they are receiving in federal funding for each project,” Ernst asserts.
Sen. Joni Ernst has been a consistent watchdog for the Biden administration’s treatment of small business owners. In February, she called on the administration to clarify how the Commerce Department will protect small businesses in relation to “march-in rights” concerning patents developed through federal funds.
As Sunshine Week highlights the public’s right to know about government actions, Ernst urges the SBA to comply with the law and provide transparency. She emphasizes the power of sunlight in exposing wasteful spending and highlights her recent efforts to address delinquent small business loans.
What provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act requires the Small Business Administration to provide the price tag associated with each grant or loan disbursed?
Ton.”
Ernst is specifically referring to a provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act that requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide, on its website, the price tag associated with each grant or loan it disburses. This provision, according to Ernst, is crucial in ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of taxpayer dollars.
The call for transparency in federal spending is not a new issue for Ernst. Throughout her political career, she has consistently advocated for increased openness and accountability in government. This latest push to enforce the public price tag rule is a continuation of her efforts to hold federal agencies responsible for providing accurate and detailed information about how taxpayer money is being spent.
Ernst’s concern is not simply about transparency for transparency’s sake. She believes that making the price of federal grants and loans publicly available will empower taxpayers to make informed decisions about the efficiency and effectiveness of government spending. By having access to this information, individuals and businesses can better assess whether the funds allocated to specific programs are being used wisely and provide the intended benefits.
Furthermore, Ernst argues that transparency in federal spending can also serve as a deterrent against potential waste, fraud, and abuse. When the public and oversight bodies have easy access to information about the cost of government programs, it becomes more difficult for unscrupulous individuals or organizations to exploit taxpayer dollars for personal gain.
Ernst’s demand for transparency in federal spending aligns with broader efforts to promote fiscal responsibility and good governance. By advocating for the public price tag rule, she is seeking to restore public trust in the government’s handling of taxpayer funds.
In her letter to Administrator Guzman, Ernst emphasizes the significance of the SBA’s role in distributing grants and loans, particularly in light of the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With billions of dollars being allocated to help struggling businesses and individuals, it is imperative that the SBA provides transparent and comprehensive information about the costs associated with its programs.
Sen. Ernst’s call for transparency in federal spending reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability. By demanding the enforcement of the public price tag rule, she strives to ensure that taxpayers have a clear understanding of how their money is being used by the government. As discussions about federal spending continue, it is essential that transparency remains a priority to rebuild public trust and promote wise allocation of taxpayer funds.
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