Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement amid reports that congressional Democrats and the White House have reached a $789.5 billion deal on their spending package. The negotiations took place behind closed doors, with no public oversight and absolutely no Republican input.

“Once again both Republicans and the American public have been shut out as congressional Democrats and the White House have struck a backroom deal on the so-called stimulus bill,” said Rep. Price. “This bill is the product of political dealing among a group of political insiders. As a result, the final product represents everything that the American people detest about Washington and everything special interests adore.

“Instead of working with all sides to seek solutions, Democrats have refused to heed Republican input. And instead of holding themselves accountable to taxpayers, Democrats dealt with the White House behind closed doors. The product that emerged from the proverbial smoke-filled room might reflect the will of the Democrat majority, but it falls well short of representing the desires of the American public.”

Watch video of Rep. Price calling for transparency and accountability outside the Speaker’s Office.