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We've had public hearings. We've had interim reports, which our statute has encouraged us to provide to the public. We have brought the public along with us, trying to make as much available as possible over time.

I've been in Congress 14 years. I've been on the Appropriations Committee in which we are in charge of trying to move legislation.

It now becomes clear why the Bush Administration has been vigorously opposing congressional hearings. The Bush Administration has been engaged in a conspiracy of silence.

As a result of this article, I was invited to testify in the Senate Judiciary Committee on privacy law.

When conducted with proper preparation, and in a focused and professional manner, oversight of executive branch actions can reveal serious shortcomings by government officials and help prevent recurrence; the 'Waco hearings,' conducted over a two-week period in 1995, stand as an example of such an undertaking.

My focus has been on being a good congressman, and there is so much other work to do.

Serving on the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight allows me to play a role making government more accountable by investigating waste, mismanagement, and improprieties.

There are a lot of different demands on the campaign trail, but what matters most is that you connect with voters and take the time to really hear their concerns.

My job in the Senate is not just to give speeches and do interviews, it's to solve problems.

You now have six-year campaigns for the Senate - you never stop running. It's not uncommon for a member of the Senate to have a fundraising breakfast, a fundraising lunch and a fundraising dinner, and then when the Senate breaks for the week to go home, more fundraisers. And that's driven by the cost of campaigning.