Johanns Appalled by Lack of Transparency

Johanns says Administration owes answers to Americans on Benghazi, IRS harassment and EPA’s release of private information

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today issued the following statement after a number of recent disclosures of cover-ups and breaches of trust by the Obama Administration:
“These recent revelations beg the question: What more is the Administration doing that we don’t know about?,” Johanns said. “A government of, by and for the people must be committed to transparency and built upon trust.  These actions have shattered trust and put a stain on America’s proud record of open and democratic principles.
“We must get to the bottom of this and the Administration owes nothing less than a full, truthful account to the American people.”
Background:
Top IRS officials admitted today the agency singled out political groups based on ideology for review last year. Groups with phrases and words like “tea party” or “patriot” included in their tax-exempt status applications were targeted, and in some cases asked for their donor lists, which is against most IRS policies. As many as 75 conservative groups were wrongfully targeted, according to IRS.
Johanns questioned EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe last week about his agency’s multiple disclosures of thousands of records including the personal information of ag producers to anti-ag activist organizations. EPA has acknowledged the information it disclosed should have been exempt under federal law, but has not taken steps to guarantee the already release information is not abused. For more information and a list of the questions Johanns asked, click HERE.
It was also reported earlier this week that Administration officials at the State Department edited documents pertaining to the deadly attacks on our consulate in Benghazi, Libya, to remove references of terrorist attacks or terrorism. The talking points were prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency. Following the attacks, Johanns wrote Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta requesting a full and detailed timeline of the terrorist attacks, including information on what members of the Administration knew and when. That account has still not been provided. The full text of the letter is available by clicking HERE: