Ranking Republican Doc Hastings (R-WA)

Yesterday marked the 100th day since President Obama signed the $787 billion “stimulus” bill — but the Administration still hasn’t delivered transparency or proven how these taxpayer dollars will create new jobs.

For example, the Department of Interior recently posted a list on its website of the specific Fish and Wildlife Service projects that were funded under the act. According to the Department, the projects were chosen because each “addresses the Department’s highest priority mission needs; generates the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time; and creates lasting value for the American public.”

However, the list provides nothing more than the location of the project and the price. Instead, it simply says that $1,762,000 in tax payer money will be spent for the Merritt Island National Wildlife refuge in Florida.

But what does this mean for our economy? How many jobs will actually be created for Floridians? And how does this square with President Obama’s direction that the Federal Government must prove to the American people “that their dollars are being invested in initiatives and strategies that make a difference in their communities across the country?”

The American people deserve more explanation than a location and price tag.

Yesterday, I sent a letter to Dr. Rowan Gould, the Acting Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, requesting that he follow through on the Administrations’ promise of transparency. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another 100 days before the American people get the information they deserve.

Cross-posted at The Hill Blog on May 28, 2009.