VOTE ALERT: GOP Supports Government Lying

This is a new low: in a narrow vote, House Republicans voted down an amendment that would explicitly bar the federal government from lying to Congress. Nine Republicans and all Democrats voted for the measure - but the GOP leadership made sure that there were enough GOP votes to defeat the measure.

This legislation is certainly necessary considering the Bush administration's penchant for hiding information, and providing documents to Congress that are deliberately dishonest.

If you don't believe that this was all that the legislation in question would do, see the text of the bill for yourself:

Amendment to H.R. 3058, as Reported
Offered by Mr. Obey of Wisconsin

At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following:

SEC. ____. None of the funds made available in this Act may be used in contravention of that portion of OMB Circular No. A-11, section 22.2, entitled "Congressional testimony and communications" that states that in testimony before Congressional committees and communication with Members of Congress, witnesses will give frank and complete answers to all questions.

Apparently, the GOP is not interesated in ensuring that the Bush administration is allowed to break the law that prevents them from lying to Congress. See how your Member of Congress voted here.