Washington, D.C. - The Republican leaders of the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Ways and Means sent Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) a letter opposing the establishment of her politically-driven and ill-equipped select committee to review the Administration’s response to the coronavirus.
The letter was signed by Republican Leaders Greg Walden (R-OR), Patrick McHenry (R-NC), and Kevin Brady (R-TX).
“Our standing committees have the respective institutional knowledge and expertise to ensure the appropriate questions are asked and answered. It is unclear what gaps exist within the Rule X and XI framework that necessitate the creation of a special select committee to oversee the Administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic," the three Committee leaders wrote to Pelosi.
Speaker Pelosi’s select committee not only fails to provide necessary operational specifics, it also fundamentally ignores the ability of existing committees. The Energy and Commerce Committee has written large portions of Congress’ legislative response to the virus-so, if the speaker’s goal is truly effective oversight, she should know oversight is already well underway. There are a number of committees in the House and Senate with expertise that should be allowed to do their jobs.
“To be sure Madam Speaker, transparency and accountability are of the upmost importance as we oversee the administration’s response to this national emergency. We should harness all appropriate resources in conducting our oversight," the three Committee leaders continued. “At the same time, we should do so in such a way that preserves the existing committee oversight and investigative framework."
Read the full text of the letter here.
