Senate audit committee is ‘a step forward,’ with non-voting external members a necessary compromise, say Senators

‘The appearance is terrible,’ says former Senate ethics officer Jean Fournier of the Red Chamber's long-awaited new oversight group, which gives Senators a final say on review of their expenses.

Conservative Senator David Wells, left, introduced a motion on Oct. 1 that would finally create a Senate audit and oversight committee after years of discussion. The motion has the support of the other Senate group leaders, say Independent Senator Acting Facilitator Raymonde Saint-Germain, and Canadian Senators Group Leader Scott Tannas, right.The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade, and courtesy of Senator David Wells

News

BY SAMANTHA WRIGHT ALLEN

October 14, 2020

The Senate’s new Audit and Oversight Committee features external members who are selected, non-voting, and in a minority, making it ripe for conflict of interest concerns says the Senate’s first ethics officer, while even its critics in the Senate call it a “step...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Today’s Headlines Newsletter

Your quick scan of the news you need each weekday to be the smartest person in the room.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy