Washington, D.C. -Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, issued the following statement in response to a letter sent to the Committee from Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, describing his investigation of management challenges at the Chemical Safety Board and making specific recommendations for reform:
“I commend Ranking Member Waxman for his commitment to ensuring that the Chemical Safety Board carries out its critical mission of protecting Americans from industrial chemical accidents. His concrete, sensible recommendations to improve the agency-developed after months of consultations with all parties-are a prime example of how responsible congressional oversight can be conducted. I hope our committee will review these recommendations carefully with the goal of helping the agency function more effectively and efficiently on behalf of the American people."
Ranking Member Waxman began investigating CSB management challenges last year, when he sent letters to the CSB Chairman and Board Members. After months of working with them, Ranking Member Waxman sent a letter to the CSB Chairman with recommendations in seven areas to improve internal management.
In his letter to the Oversight Committee today, Ranking Member Waxman urged Committee Chairman Darrell Issa to use tomorrow’s Oversight Committee hearing to identify constructive solutions:
“I believe that the best oversight makes constructive recommendations to improve agency performance. That is what I have tried to do through my oversight of the CSB, and I hope you will take a similar approach. Your hearing will serve a valuable purpose if it provides an opportunity to discuss constructive ideas for improving CSB’s internal management and operations so that the agency can focus on its core mission and investigative work."
