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Obama to name watchdog to oversee stimulus outlays

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-23 08:54

WASHINGTON– US President Barack Obama, intent on countering criticisms of the $787 billion economic stimulus plan as wasteful, plans to name a watchdog on Monday to make sure the money is spent wisely.

Related readings:  Official: Obama plans to slash deficit in half  Heavy economic focus for Obama's Tuesday speech  Obama: tax cuts will be felt by April 1  Obama warns mayors not to waste stimulus money

Obama will appoint Earl Devaney to lead a team of managers that will oversee the public works spending in the stimulus package to make sure there is no waste and that the uses of the money are transparent.

As inspector general of the Department of Interior, Devaney led investigations into a series of scandals there.

Obama is to make the announcement at a meeting on Monday with members of the National Governors' Association, according to a US administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The official also said that Obama has asked Vice President Joe Biden to supervise implementation of the stimulus bill by meeting regularly with governors and mayors, who will receive money for local infrastructure projects, and with members of the cabinet.