Thank you.
We've had significant testimony from many people in the field suggesting the reasons for confidentiality, competitive arrangements, and the first-, second-, and third-person relationship with the government. Some of us on this committee share a concern that if we move forward and establish clearer obligations, it might impugn the efficacy of the contracts in place right now between third parties and the government. We just don't want to run into a situation in which we are either creating a liability or creating an indefensible position with the contractual arrangements that have already taken place between the government and/or third-party officials.
We want clarity; we want information, but where do we start, where do we stop, and what are our bounds and parameters within our rights of a committee in asking for further information that may or may not complicate or create undue duress for departments or agencies?
Would you have any thought on that?