The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee has initiated an investigation into reports of potential obstruction within the civil rights offices of several federal agencies. Chairman Brian Babin and Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Rich McCormick have sent letters to the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Science Foundation.
The committee is seeking information on how these agencies' Office of Civil Rights (OCRs) are carrying out their responsibilities. In the correspondence, the chairmen wrote: “While differing slightly in structure across agencies, OCRs play a critical role in ensuring that agencies and their funding recipients comply with federal civil rights law.” They cautioned that any failure in these offices' duties could undermine their core mission.
Concerns were raised that “certain OCR leaders have actively discouraged career staff from pursuing investigations into civil rights violations involving federal grant programs,” as well as whether some offices may not have reviewed or investigated decisions made under the Biden Administration. The letters also mention allegations that some OCR leaders may be falsely claiming they lack authority to perform necessary oversight.
The chairmen stated: “If true, these reports suggest a potentially troubling pattern that could compromise the integrity of civil rights enforcement across federal agencies.” The committee's requests include detailed information on civil rights enforcement activities since January 20, 2025; whistleblower concerns; internal accountability measures; and compliance reviews.
Agencies are required to respond by December 19, 2025.
