House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin, Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Rich McCormick, and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Scott Franklin sent a letter on July 16 to National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine President Dr. Neil Shubin regarding the organization’s withholding of information requested by the Committee as part of its ongoing oversight of federally supported activities.
The Chairmen said that while NASEM has made efforts to respond to the Committee’s requests so far, they are concerned about information being withheld based on broad assertions of privilege or confidentiality. “The Committee cannot evaluate, and will not accept, privilege claims asserted in this manner,” they wrote.
They also said that generalized or categorical assertions of privilege do not excuse noncompliance with congressional oversight requests. The letter states, “Generalized or categorical assertions of privilege do not excuse noncompliance with congressional oversight requests. Privilege claims are to be asserted narrowly, substantiated on a document-by-document basis, and asserted only where legally appropriate.”
The letter explains that Congress’s constitutional oversight authority extends to organizations receiving federal funding or performing functions relied upon by federal agencies. The Chairmen said the Committee’s legislative responsibilities require access to information necessary for evaluating federal programs and determining whether legislative reforms are needed.
They further stated that recipients of federal funding are expected to cooperate fully with legitimate congressional oversight. The letter says, “Until the Committee receives all requested materials, policymakers and the public should carefully evaluate findings and recommendations that are the subject of this inquiry in light of the unresolved questions surrounding their development.” The Committee asked NASEM to produce all requested materials no later than July 31.