Congressional Record, House, June 29, 2021 — H.R. 2662 IG Independence and Empowerment Act
Summary
Page H3276 of the House section of the Congressional Record for June 29, 2021, from debate on H.R. 2662, the IG Independence and Empowerment Act. Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York calls up the bill under House Resolution 504, and the Clerk reads its title, with the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute adopted. Section headings shown cover notice of ongoing investigations when an Inspector General changes status, a CIGIE appropriation, and notice of refusal to provide Inspectors General access to information. Another speaker supports H.R. 3005 to remove Confederate monuments from the Capitol, and the page ends with a roll call listing the Not Voting Members.
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“Congressional Record, House, June 29, 2021 — H.R. 2662 IG Independence and Empowerment Act.”
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H3276 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2021
also like to thank our Speaker, our Majority IG INDEPENDENCE AND TITLE VIII—NOTICE OF ONGOING INVES-
Leader, our Whip, Mr. CLYBURN, Chairwoman EMPOWERMENT ACT TIGATIONS WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE IN
BEATTY, Chairman BENNIE THOMPSON, and STATUS OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New Sec. 801. Notice of ongoing investigations when
Congressman BUTTERFIELD for moving this York. Madam Speaker, pursuant to
legislation forward with the urgency that it re- there is a change in status of In-
House Resolution 504, I call up the bill spector General.
quires. (H.R. 2662) to amend the Inspector Gen- TITLE IX—COUNCIL OF THE INSPECTORS
I rise in strong support of H.R. 3005, which eral Act of 1978, and for other purposes, GENERAL ON INTEGRITY AND EFFI-
will remove shameful monuments to slavery, and ask for its immediate consider- CIENCY APPROPRIATION
segregation, and white supremacy from the ation. Sec. 901. CIGIE appropriation.
U.S Capitol. In 2017, in the wake of the white The Clerk read the title of the bill. TITLE X—NOTICE OF REFUSAL TO
nationalist rally in Charlottesville, I introduced The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- PROVIDE INSPECTORS GENERAL ACCESS
the Confederate Monument Removal Act to ant to House Resolution 504, the Sec. 1001. Notice of refusal to provide informa-
remove all statues of people who voluntarily amendment in the nature of a sub- tion or assistance to Inspectors
served the Confederacy from the Capitol build- stitute recommended by the Com- General.
ing, so thank you for including this in this cur- mittee on Oversight and Reform, print- TITLE XI—ENHANCEMENTS TO INSPECTOR
rent bill. Venerating those who took up arms ed in the bill, is adopted, and the bill, GENERAL TRAINING
against the United States to preserve slavery as amended, is considered read. Sec. 1101. Short title.
is an affront to the human dignity of all Ameri- The text of the bill, as amended, is as Sec. 1102. Enhancements to Inspector General
cans. follows: Training.
These painful symbols of bigotry and racism H.R. 2662 TITLE XII—BUDGETARY EFFECTS
have no place in our society and certainly Sec. 1201. Determination of budgetary effects.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
should not be enshrined in the U.S. Capitol. resentatives of the United States of America in TITLE XIII—SEVERABILITY
Following our historic vote on Juneteenth, it is Congress assembled, Sec. 1301. Severability.
past time for Congress to stop glorifying the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. TITLE I—INSPECTOR GENERAL
men who committed treason against the (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as INDEPENDENCE
United States to keep African Americans in the ‘‘IG Independence and Empowerment Act’’. SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
chains. (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con-
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Inspector Gen-
The movement to honor Confederate sol- tents for this Act is as follows:
eral Independence Act’’.
diers was a deliberate act to rewrite history Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. SEC. 102. AMENDMENT.
and diminish the role of slavery in the out- TITLE I—INSPECTOR GENERAL The Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C.
break of hostilities between the North and the INDEPENDENCE App.) is amended—
South. The Confederacy sought to uphold the Sec. 101. Short title. (1) in section 3(b)—
institution of slavery and maintain a racial hier- Sec. 102. Amendment. (A) by striking ‘‘An Inspector General’’ and
archy that brutalized and oppressed Black TITLE II—CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION inserting:
people. This ideology of white supremacy led OF CHANGE IN STATUS OF INSPECTOR ‘‘(1) An Inspector General’’;
GENERAL (B) by inserting after ‘‘by the President’’ the
to the rise of Confederate memorials in the following: ‘‘in accordance with paragraph (2)’’;
20th century. Most Confederate statutes were Sec. 201. Short title. and
erected during periods of extreme civil rights Sec. 202. Change in status of Inspector General (C) by inserting at the end the following new
tension, not in the immediate aftermath of the offices. paragraph:
Civil War. Placed in public spaces, they were Sec. 203. Presidential explanation of failure to ‘‘(2) The President may remove an Inspector
nominate an Inspector General. General only for any of the following grounds
testaments to the enduring notion of white su-
premacy and used to push back against the TITLE III—VACANCY OF INSPECTOR (and the documentation of any such ground
GENERAL POSITIONS shall be included in the communication required
movement for equality for African Americans.
Sec. 301. Vacancy of Inspector General posi- pursuant to paragraph (1)):
They are symbols of white supremacy and ha- ‘‘(A) Documented permanent incapacity.
tions.
tred, not Southern heritage. They don’t belong ‘‘(B) Documented neglect of duty.
here in the U.S. Capitol. TITLE IV—COUNCIL OF INSPECTORS GEN-
‘‘(C) Documented malfeasance.
ERAL ON INTEGRITY AND EFFICIENCY
We are in a critical moment to act. The re- ‘‘(D) Documented conviction of a felony or
TRANSPARENCY
moval of Confederate statues from the U.S. conduct involving moral turpitude.
Sec. 401. Short title. ‘‘(E) Documented knowing violation of a law
Capitol is an important step in confronting our Sec. 402. Additional information to be included or regulation.
nation’s painful legacy of slavery, racism, and in requests and reports to Con- ‘‘(F) Documented gross mismanagement.
oppression. As a descendant of enslaved Afri- gress. ‘‘(G) Documented gross waste of funds.
cans, I support this bill and I ask for an ‘aye’ Sec. 403. Availability of information to members ‘‘(H) Documented abuse of authority.
vote. of Congress regarding certain al- ‘‘(I) Documented inefficiency.’’; and
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. legations of wrongdoing closed (2) in section 8G(e)(2), by adding at the end
SCHRIER). All time for debate has ex- without referral. the following: ‘‘An Inspector General may be re-
Sec. 404. Semiannual report. moved only for any of the following grounds
pired.
Sec. 405. Additional reports; rules of construc- (and the documentation of any such ground
Pursuant to House Resolution 504, tion. shall be included in the communication required
the previous question is ordered on the Sec. 406. Membership of Integrity Committee. pursuant to this paragraph):
bill. Sec. 407. Requirement to refer allegations of ‘‘(A) Documented permanent incapacity.
The question is on the engrossment wrongdoing against Inspector ‘‘(B) Documented neglect of duty.
and third reading of the bill. General to Integrity Committee. ‘‘(C) Documented malfeasance.
Sec. 408. Requirement to report final disposition ‘‘(D) Documented conviction of a felony or
The bill was ordered to be engrossed
to Congress. conduct involving moral turpitude.
and read a third time, and was read the ‘‘(E) Documented knowing violation of a law
third time. TITLE V—ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY
PROVISIONS FOR INSPECTORS GENERAL or regulation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ‘‘(F) Documented gross mismanagement.
Sec. 501. Short title.
question is on passage of the bill. ‘‘(G) Documented gross waste of funds.
Sec. 502. Additional authority provisions for In- ‘‘(H) Documented abuse of authority.
The question was taken; and the spectors General.
Speaker pro tempore announced that ‘‘(I) Documented inefficiency.’’.
TITLE VI—INVESTIGATIONS OF TITLE II—CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION
the ayes appeared to have it. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PERSONNEL OF CHANGE IN STATUS OF INSPECTOR
Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, Sec. 601. Short title. GENERAL
on that I demand the yeas and nays. Sec. 602. Investigations of Department of Jus- SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
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The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tice personnel. This title may be cited as the ‘‘Inspector Gen-
ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution TITLE VII—OFFICE OF INSPECTOR eral Protection Act’’.
8, the yeas and nays are ordered. GENERAL WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINTS SEC. 202. CHANGE IN STATUS OF INSPECTOR
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- Sec. 701. Short title. GENERAL OFFICES.
ther proceedings on this question are Sec. 702. Office of Inspector General whistle- (a) CHANGE IN STATUS OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
postponed. blower complaints. OF OFFICES.—Paragraph (1) of section 3(b) of
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June 29, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3277
the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. imum rate of pay payable for a position at GS– ‘‘(i) analysis of the positions held by individ-
App.) is amended— 15 of the General Schedule.’’. uals against whom allegations were made, in-
(1) by inserting ‘‘, is placed on paid or unpaid (b) APPLICATION.—The amendment made by cluding the duties affiliated with such positions;
non-duty status,’’ after ‘‘is removed from of- subsection (a) shall apply to any vacancy first ‘‘(ii) analysis of the categories or types of the
fice’’; occurring with respect to an Inspector General allegations of wrongdoing; and
(2) by inserting ‘‘, change in status,’’ after position on or after the date of enactment of this ‘‘(iii) a summary of disposition of all the alle-
‘‘any such removal’’; and Act. gations.
(3) by inserting ‘‘, change in status,’’ after TITLE IV—COUNCIL OF INSPECTORS GEN- ‘‘(B) The number of allegations referred to the
‘‘before the removal’’. ERAL ON INTEGRITY AND EFFICIENCY Department of Justice or the Office of Special
(b) CHANGE IN STATUS OF INSPECTOR GENERAL TRANSPARENCY Counsel, including the number of allegations re-
OF DESIGNATED FEDERAL ENTITIES.—Section ferred for criminal investigation.
SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.
8G(e)(2) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 ‘‘(C) The number of allegations referred to the
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Integrity Com-
U.S.C. App.) is amended— Chairperson of the Integrity Committee for in-
(1) by inserting ‘‘, is placed on paid or unpaid mittee Transparency Act of 2021’’.
vestigation, a general description of the status
SEC. 402. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE IN-
non-duty status,’’ after ‘‘office’’; of such investigations, and a summary of the
CLUDED IN REQUESTS AND RE-
(2) by inserting ‘‘, change in status,’’ after PORTS TO CONGRESS. findings of investigations completed.
‘‘any such removal’’; and ‘‘(D) An overview and analysis of allegations
Section 11(d) of the Inspector General Act of
(3) by inserting ‘‘, change in status,’’ after of wrongdoing received by the Integrity Com-
1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended—
‘‘before the removal’’. mittee during any previous reporting period, but
(1) in paragraph (5)(B)(ii), by striking the pe-
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made remained pending during some part of the six
riod at the end and inserting ‘‘, the length of
by this section shall take effect 30 days after the months covered by the report, including—
time the Integrity Committee has been evalu-
date of the enactment of this Act. ‘‘(i) analysis of the positions held by individ-
ating the allegation of wrongdoing, and a de-
SEC. 203. PRESIDENTIAL EXPLANATION OF FAIL- uals against whom allegations were made, in-
URE TO NOMINATE AN INSPECTOR
scription of any previous written notice pro-
vided under this clause with respect to the alle- cluding the duties affiliated with such positions;
GENERAL. ‘‘(ii) analysis of the categories or types of the
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter III of chapter 33 gation of wrongdoing, including the description
provided for why additional time was needed.’’; allegations of wrongdoing; and
of title 5, United States Code, is amended by in- ‘‘(iii) a summary of disposition of all the alle-
serting after section 3349d the following new and
(2) in paragraph (8)(A)(ii), by inserting ‘‘or gations.
section: ‘‘(E) The number and category or type of
corrective action’’ after ‘‘disciplinary action’’.
‘‘§ 3349e. Presidential explanation of failure to pending investigations.
SEC. 403. AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION TO
nominate an Inspector General MEMBERS OF CONGRESS REGARD- ‘‘(F) For each allegation received—
‘‘If the President fails to make a formal nomi- ING CERTAIN ALLEGATIONS OF ‘‘(i) the date on which the investigation was
nation for a vacant Inspector General position WRONGDOING CLOSED WITHOUT RE- opened;
that requires a formal nomination by the Presi- FERRAL. ‘‘(ii) the date on which the allegation was dis-
dent to be filled within the period beginning on Section 11(d)(5)(B) of the Inspector General posed of, as applicable; and
the date on which the vacancy occurred and Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App) is amended by adding ‘‘(iii) the case number associated with the al-
ending on the day that is 210 days after that at the end the following: legation.
‘‘(iii) AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION TO MEM- ‘‘(G) The nature and number of allegations to
date, the President shall communicate, within 30
BERS OF CONGRESS.— the Integrity Committee closed without referral,
days after the end of such period, to Congress in
‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—With respect to an allega- including the justification for why each allega-
writing—
‘‘(1) the reasons why the President has not tion of wrongdoing made by a member of Con- tion was closed without referral.
gress that is closed by the Integrity Committee ‘‘(H) A brief description of any difficulty en-
yet made a formal nomination; and
‘‘(2) a target date for making a formal nomi- without referral to the Chairperson of the Integ- countered by the Integrity Committee when re-
nation.’’. rity Committee to initiate an investigation, the ceiving, evaluating, investigating, or referring
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec- Chairperson of the Integrity Committee shall, for investigation an allegation received by the
tions for chapter 33 of title 5, United States not later than 60 days after closing such allega- Integrity Committee, including a brief descrip-
Code, is amended by inserting after the item re- tion, provide a written description of the nature tion of—
lating to section 3349d the following new item: of the allegation of wrongdoing and how the In- ‘‘(i) any attempt to prevent or hinder an in-
tegrity Committee evaluated the allegation of vestigation; or
‘‘3349e. Presidential explanation of failure to ‘‘(ii) concerns about the integrity or oper-
wrongdoing to—
nominate an Inspector General.’’. ations at an Office of Inspector General.’’.
‘‘(aa) the Chair and Ranking Member of the
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made
Committee on Oversight and Reform of the SEC. 405. ADDITIONAL REPORTS; RULES OF CON-
by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of STRUCTION.
House of Representatives;
the enactment of this Act and shall apply to any ‘‘(bb) the Chair and Ranking Member of the Section 11(d) of the Inspector General Act of
vacancy first occurring on or after that date. Committee on Homeland Security and Govern- 1978 (5 U.S.C. App) is amended by adding at the
TITLE III—VACANCY OF INSPECTOR mental Affairs of the Senate; end the following:
GENERAL POSITIONS ‘‘(cc) a member of the House of Representa- ‘‘(14) ADDITIONAL REPORTS.—
SEC. 301. VACANCY OF INSPECTOR GENERAL PO- tives who has the support of any seven members ‘‘(A) REPORT TO INSPECTOR GENERAL.—The
SITIONS. of the Committee on Oversight and Reform of Chairperson of the Integrity Committee shall
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3345 of title 5, the House of Representatives; or submit a report immediately whenever the
United States Code, is amended by adding at the ‘‘(dd) a member of the Senate who has the Chairperson of the Integrity Committee becomes
end the following: support of any five members of the Committee on aware of particularly serious or flagrant prob-
‘‘(d)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), if an Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of lems, abuses, or deficiencies relating to the ad-
Inspector General position that requires ap- the Senate. ministration of programs and operations of an
pointment by the President by and with the ad- ‘‘(II) REQUIREMENT TO FORWARD.—The Chair- Office of Inspector General. The report shall be
vice and consent of the Senate to be filled is va- person of the Integrity Committee shall forward sent to the Inspector General who leads the Of-
cant, the first assistant of such position shall any written description or update provided fice of Inspector General at which the serious or
perform the functions and duties of the Inspec- under this clause to the members of the Integrity flagrant problems, abuses, or deficiencies were
tor General temporarily in an acting capacity Committee and to the Chairperson of the Coun- alleged.
subject to the time limitations of section 3346. cil.’’. ‘‘(B) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Inspector
‘‘(2) Notwithstanding subsection (a), if for SEC. 404. SEMIANNUAL REPORT. General of the Office identified by the Integrity
purposes of carrying out paragraph (1) of this Section 11(d)(9) of the Inspector General Act Committee shall submit any such report to the
subsection, by reason of absence, disability, or of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended to read as House Committee on Oversight and Reform and
vacancy, the first assistant to the position of In- follows: the Senate Committee on Homeland Security
spector General is not available to perform the ‘‘(9) SEMIANNUAL REPORT.—On or before May and Governmental Affairs within seven cal-
functions and duties of the Inspector General, 31, 2022, and every six months thereafter, the endar days from the time the Inspector General
an acting Inspector General shall be appointed Council shall submit to Congress and the Presi- receives the report together with a report by the
by the President from among individuals serving dent a report on the activities of the Integrity Inspector General at the Office identified by the
in an office of any Inspector General, provided Committee during the immediately preceding six- Integrity Committee containing any comments
that— month periods ending March 31 and September such Inspector General deems appropriate.
‘‘(A) during the 365-day period preceding the 30, which shall include the following with re- ‘‘(15) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—
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date of death, resignation, or beginning of in- spect to allegations of wrongdoing that are ‘‘(A) PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION.—
ability to serve of the applicable Inspector Gen- made against Inspectors General and staff mem- Except as provided in subparagraph (B), noth-
eral, the individual served in a position in an bers of the various Offices of Inspector General ing in this subsection shall be construed to au-
office of any Inspector General for not less than described under paragraph (4)(C): thorize the public disclosure of information
90 days; and ‘‘(A) An overview and analysis of the allega- which is—
‘‘(B) the rate of pay for the position of such tions of wrongdoing disposed of by the Integrity ‘‘(i) prohibited from disclosure by any other
individual is equal to or greater than the min- Committee, including— provision of law;
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H3278 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2021
‘‘(ii) required by Executive order to be pro- SEC. 407. REQUIREMENT TO REFER ALLEGATIONS of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Effi-
tected from disclosure in the interest of national OF WRONGDOING AGAINST INSPEC- ciency, who shall be designated by the Inspector
TOR GENERAL TO INTEGRITY COM-
defense or national security or in the conduct of General serving as Chairperson of the Council.
MITTEE.
foreign affairs; or ‘‘(B) PROTECTION FROM DISCLOSURE.—The in-
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Section 11(d)(4) of the In- formation contained in the request submitted by
‘‘(iii) a part of an ongoing criminal investiga-
spector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is an Inspector General under subparagraph (A)
tion.
amended— and the identification of a witness shall be pro-
‘‘(B) PROVISION OF REPORT TO REQUESTING (1) in subparagraph (A), in the heading, by
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.—Subject to any other tected from disclosure to the extent permitted by
striking ‘‘REQUIREMENT’’ and inserting ‘‘ALLE- law. Any request for disclosure of such informa-
provision of law that would otherwise prohibit GATIONS AGAINST STAFF MEMBERS’’;
disclosure of such information, the information tion shall be submitted to the Inspector General
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and requesting the subpoena.
described in subparagraph (A) may be provided (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively;
to any Member of Congress upon request of the ‘‘(2) TIME TO RESPOND.—
and ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub-
Member. (3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
‘‘(16) PROHIBITED DISCLOSURES.—The Integ- paragraph (B), the Subpoena Panel shall ap-
following: prove or deny a request for approval to issue a
rity Committee may not provide or otherwise dis- ‘‘(B) ALLEGATIONS AGAINST INSPECTORS GEN-
close to Congress or the public any information subpoena not later than 10 calendar days after
ERAL.—An Inspector General shall refer to the
that reveals the personally identifiable informa- the submission of such request.
Integrity Committee any allegation of wrong- ‘‘(B) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PANEL.—
tion of an individual who alleges wrongdoing to doing against that Inspector General.’’. If the Subpoena Panel determines that addi-
the Integrity Committee under this subsection (b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- tional information is necessary to approve or
unless the Integrity Committee first obtains the MENT.—Section 11(d)(1) of the Inspector General
deny a request submitted by an Inspector Gen-
consent of the individual.’’. Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by strik- eral under paragraph (1)(A), the Subpoena
SEC. 406. MEMBERSHIP OF INTEGRITY COM- ing ‘‘(4)(C)’’ and inserting ‘‘(4)(D)’’. Panel shall request such information from the
MITTEE. SEC. 408. REQUIREMENT TO REPORT FINAL DIS- Inspector General and shall approve or deny the
Section 11(d)(2) of the Inspector General Act POSITION TO CONGRESS.
request submitted by the Inspector General
of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended— Section 11(d)(8) of the Inspector General Act under paragraph (1)(A) not later than 20 cal-
(1) in subparagraph (A), by adding at the end of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended— endar days after the submission of the request
the following: (1) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by inserting under such paragraph.
‘‘(iv) The individual appointed under sub- ‘‘contemporaneously with the submission of the ‘‘(3) DENIAL BY PANEL.—If a majority of the
paragraph (C).’’; and report under clause (ii),’’ before ‘‘submit’’; and Subpoena Panel denies the approval of a sub-
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ‘‘, the poena, that subpoena may not be issued.
(2) by adding at the end the following:
Committee on Homeland Security and Govern- ‘‘(d) NOTICE TO ATTORNEY GENERAL.—
‘‘(C) APPOINTMENT OF FORMER INSPECTOR mental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on
GENERAL TO COMMITTEE.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If the Subpoena Panel ap-
Oversight and Reform of the House of Rep- proves a subpoena under subsection (c), the In-
‘‘(i) APPOINTMENT.—The Chairperson of the resentatives, and other congressional committees
Council shall appoint an individual who prior spector General shall notify the Attorney Gen-
of jurisdiction,’’ after ‘‘Integrity Committee’’. eral that the Inspector General intends to issue
to the date of such appointment served as an In-
TITLE V—ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY the subpoena.
spector General (as that position is described in
PROVISIONS FOR INSPECTORS GENERAL ‘‘(2) DENIAL FOR INTERFERENCE WITH AN ONGO-
section 3(a) and section 8G(a)(6)), and who has
SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE. ING INVESTIGATION.—Not later than 10 calendar
upheld the highest standards of integrity and
This title may be cited as the ‘‘IG Subpoena days after the date on which the Attorney Gen-
professionalism while serving and since leaving
Authority Act’’. eral is notified pursuant to paragraph (1), the
service as an Inspector General, as determined
SEC. 502. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY PROVISIONS Attorney General may object to the issuance of
by the Chairperson, to serve as a member of the
FOR INSPECTORS GENERAL. the subpoena because the subpoena will inter-
Committee unless no such individual is available
The Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. fere with an ongoing investigation and the sub-
or willing to serve as a member of the Committee
App.) is amended— poena may not be issued.
at the time of the appointment.
(1) by inserting after section 6 the following ‘‘(3) ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENA APPROVED.—If the
‘‘(ii) INITIAL TERM.—The individual appointed Attorney General declines to object or fails to
under clause (i) shall serve at the pleasure of new section:
‘‘SEC. 6A. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY.
object to the issuance of the subpoena during
the Chairperson of the Council for a 2-year the 10-day period described in paragraph (2),
term. ‘‘(a) TESTIMONIAL SUBPOENA AUTHORITY.—In
the Inspector General may issue the subpoena.
‘‘(iii) ADDITIONAL TERM.—The Chairperson of addition to the authority otherwise provided by
‘‘(e) GUIDELINES.—The Chairperson of the
the Council may reappoint the individual ap- this Act and in accordance with the require-
Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity
pointed under clause (i) to serve at the pleasure ments of this section, each Inspector General, in
and Efficiency, in consultation with the Attor-
of the Chairperson of the Council for an addi- carrying out the provisions of this Act (or in the
ney General, shall prescribe guidelines to carry
tional term not to exceed 2 years. case of an Inspector General or Special Inspec-
out this section.
‘‘(iv) COMPENSATION.— tor General not established under this Act, the ‘‘(f) INSPECTOR GENERAL DEFINED.—For pur-
‘‘(I) SPECIAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE DESIGNA- provisions of the authorizing statute), is author- poses of this section, the term ‘Inspector Gen-
TION.—The individual appointed under clause
ized to require by subpoena the attendance and eral’ includes each Inspector General estab-
(i) shall be considered a special government em- testimony of witnesses as necessary in the per- lished under this Act and each Inspector Gen-
ployee pursuant to section 202(a) of title 18, formance of the functions assigned to the In- eral or Special Inspector General not established
United States Code. spector General by this Act (or in the case of an under this Act.
Inspector General or Special Inspector General ‘‘(g) APPLICABILITY.—The provisions of this
‘‘(II) COMPENSATION AND TRAVEL EXPENSES.—
not established under this Act, the functions as- section shall not affect the exercise of authority
An individual appointed under clause (i) may
signed by the authorizing statute), which in the by an Inspector General of testimonial subpoena
not receive compensation at a rate in excess of
case of contumacy or refusal to obey, such sub- authority established under another provision of
the rate of basic pay for level IV of the executive
poena shall be enforceable by order of any ap- law.’’;
schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United
propriate United States district court. An In- (2) in section 5(a)—
States Code, and any such individual, while en-
spector General may not require by subpoena (A) in paragraph (21)(B), by striking ‘‘; and’’
gaged in the performance of their duties away
the attendance and testimony of any Federal and inserting a semicolon;
from their homes or regular places of business,
employee or employee of a designated Federal (B) in paragraph (22), by striking the period
may be allowed travel expenses, including per
entity, but may use other authorized proce- at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by sec-
dures. (C) by inserting at the end the following new
tion 5703 of such title for persons employed
‘‘(b) LIMITATION OF DELEGATION.—The au- paragraph:
intermittently in the Government service.
thority to issue a subpoena under subsection (a) ‘‘(23) a description of the use of subpoenas for
‘‘(III) ACCEPTANCE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES.— may only be delegated to an official performing
The Chairperson of the Council may accept vol- the attendance and testimony of witnesses au-
the functions and duties of the Inspector Gen- thorized under section 6A.’’; and
unteer services from the individual appointed eral when an Inspector General position is va-
under this subparagraph without regard to sec- (3) in section 8G(g)(1), by inserting ‘‘6A,’’ be-
cant or when the Inspector General is unable to fore ‘‘and 7’’.
tion 1342 of title 31, United States Code. perform the functions and duties of the Office.
‘‘(IV) PROVISIONS RELATING TO REEMPLOY- TITLE VI—INVESTIGATIONS OF
‘‘(c) PANEL REVIEW BEFORE ISSUANCE.—
MENT.— DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PERSONNEL
‘‘(1) APPROVAL REQUIRED.—
‘‘(aa) The Chairperson of the Council may re- SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE.
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‘‘(A) REQUEST FOR APPROVAL BY SUBPOENA
employ annuitants. PANEL.—Before the issuance of a subpoena de- This title may be cited as the ‘‘Inspector Gen-
‘‘(bb) The employment of annuitants under scribed in subsection (a), an Inspector General eral Access Act’’.
this paragraph shall be subject to the provisions shall submit a request for approval to issue a SEC. 602. INVESTIGATIONS OF DEPARTMENT OF
of section 9902(g) of title 5, United States Code, subpoena to a panel (in this section, referred to JUSTICE PERSONNEL.
as if the Council was the Department of De- as the ‘Subpoena Panel’), which shall be com- Section 8E of the Inspector General Act of
fense.’’. prised of three Inspectors General of the Council 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended—
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June 29, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3279
(1) in subsection (b)— 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by adding at mitted for printing in the Congressional Record
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘and para- the end the following: by the Chairman of the House Budget Com-
graph (3)’’; ‘‘(D) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—In mittee, provided that such statement has been
(B) by striking paragraph (3); addition to any funds available in the Inspec- submitted prior to the vote on passage.
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as tors General Council Fund established under TITLE XIII—SEVERABILITY
paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and subparagraph (B), there are authorized to be
SEC. 1301. SEVERABILITY.
(D) in paragraph (4), as redesignated, by appropriated such sums as may be necessary, to
striking ‘‘paragraph (4)’’ and inserting ‘‘para- remain available until expended, to carry out If any provision of this Act (or the application
graph (3)’’; and the functions and duties of the Council under of that provision to particular persons or cir-
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘, except this subsection.’’. cumstances) is held invalid or found to be un-
with respect to allegations described in sub- (b) REMOVING COUNCIL FUNDING FROM INDI- constitutional the remainder of this Act (or the
section (b)(3),’’. VIDUAL INSPECTOR GENERAL BUDGET RE- application of that provision to other persons or
QUESTS.—Section 6(g) of the Inspector General circumstances) shall not be affected.
TITLE VII—OFFICE OF INSPECTOR
GENERAL WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINTS Act of 1978 is amended— The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill,
SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE.
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘, and any as amended, shall be debatable for 1
resources necessary to support the Council of hour equally divided and controlled by
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Enhanced
the Inspectors General on Integrity and Effi- the chair and ranking minority mem-
Whistleblower Engagement Act’’.
ciency. Resources necessary to support the
SEC. 702. OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL WHIS-
Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity
ber of the Committee on Oversight and
TLEBLOWER COMPLAINTS. Reform or their respective designees.
and Efficiency shall be specifically identified
(a) WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION COORDI- and justified in the budget request’’; and The gentlewoman from New York
NATOR.—Section 3(d)(1)(C) of the Inspector Gen- (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY) and the
(2) in paragraph (2)—
eral Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended— (A) in subparagraph (B), by adding ‘‘and’’ gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. COMER)
(1) in clause (i), in the matter preceding sub- after the semicolon;
clause (I), by inserting ‘‘, including employees each will control 30 minutes.
(B) by striking subparagraph (C); and The Chair recognizes the gentle-
of that Office of Inspector General’’ after ‘‘em- (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as sub-
ployees’’; and woman from New York.
paragraph (C).
(2) in clause (iii), by inserting ‘‘(including the (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made GENERAL LEAVE
Integrity Committee of that Council)’’ after by subsection (b) shall take effect on the date Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New
‘‘and Efficiency’’. that is 30 days after the date of receipt by the York. Madam Speaker, I ask unani-
(b) COUNCIL OF THE INSPECTORS GENERAL ON Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity
INTEGRITY AND EFFICIENCY.—Section 11(c)(5)(B) mous consent that all Members have 5
and Efficiency of an appropriation for the legislative days in which to revise and
of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. Council to carry out the functions and duties of
App.) is amended by striking ‘‘, allegations of extend their remarks and insert extra-
the Council under section 11 of the Inspector
reprisal,’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘and al- General Act (5 U.S.C. App. 11), as amended neous materials on H.R. 2662.
legations of reprisal (including the timely and under this section. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
appropriate handling and consideration of pro- objection to the request of the gentle-
tected disclosures and allegations of reprisal TITLE X—NOTICE OF REFUSAL TO
PROVIDE INSPECTORS GENERAL ACCESS woman from New York?
that are internal to an Office of Inspector Gen-
SEC. 1001. NOTICE OF REFUSAL TO PROVIDE IN-
There was no objection.
eral)’’.
FORMATION OR ASSISTANCE TO IN- Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New
TITLE VIII—NOTICE OF ONGOING INVES- SPECTORS GENERAL. York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself
TIGATIONS WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE
Section 6(c) of the Inspector General Act of such time as I may consume.
IN STATUS OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by adding at I rise today to urge strong, bipar-
SEC. 801. NOTICE OF ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS the end the following:
WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE IN STA- tisan support for my bill, H.R. 2662, the
‘‘(3) If the information or assistance that is
TUS OF INSPECTOR GENERAL. IG Independence and Empowerment
the subject of a report under paragraph (2) is
(a) CHANGE IN STATUS OF INSPECTOR GENERAL not provided to the Inspector General by the Act.
OF ESTABLISHMENT.—Section 3 of the Inspector The work of inspectors general, who
date that is 30 days after the report is made, the
General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended Inspector General shall submit a notice that the conduct independent oversight of Fed-
by inserting at the end the following: information or assistance requested is being un- eral agencies, continues to be a re-
‘‘(h) Not later than 15 days after an Inspector
reasonably refused or not provided by the head markable investment for American
General is removed, placed on paid or unpaid
of the establishment involved or the head of the taxpayers. For every dollar we spend
non-duty status, or transferred to another posi-
Federal agency involved, as applicable, to— on IGs, we get $17 back. And this re-
tion or location within an establishment, the ‘‘(A) the Committee in the House of Represent-
acting Inspector General shall submit to the turn could be even higher if we gave
atives and the Committee in the Senate that has
Committee on Oversight and Reform of the jurisdiction over the establishment involved or IGs additional tools, which is exactly
House of Representatives and the Committee on the Federal agency involved, as applicable; what this bill would do.
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of ‘‘(B) the Committee on Oversight and Reform The IG Independence and Empower-
the Senate, a list of all audits and investigations of the House of Representatives; and ment Act is a package of critical re-
being conducted, supervised, coordinated by the ‘‘(C) the Committee on Homeland Security and
Office at the time the Inspector General was re-
forms to protect IGs from political re-
Governmental Affairs of the Senate.’’. taliation and obstruction. I want to
moved, placed on paid or unpaid non-duty sta-
tus, or transferred.’’. TITLE XI—ENHANCEMENTS TO thank Leader HOYER for his support
(b) CHANGE IN STATUS OF INSPECTOR GENERAL INSPECTOR GENERAL TRAINING and work on this bill, as well as all the
OF DESIGNATED FEDERAL ENTITY.—Section 8G(e) SEC. 1101. SHORT TITLE. other cosponsors of the legislation.
of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. This title may be cited as the ‘‘Inspector Gen- The IG Independence and Empower-
App.) is amended by inserting at the end the fol- eral Training Enhancement Act’’. ment Act also has the support of 14
lowing: SEC. 1102. ENHANCEMENTS TO INSPECTOR GEN- good government groups. They wrote
‘‘(3) Not later than 15 days after an Inspector ERAL TRAINING.
General is removed, placed on paid or unpaid that the reforms in this legislation
Section 11(c)(1)(E) of the Inspector General
non-duty status, or transferred to another posi- Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by insert- ‘‘have been crafted to address problems
tion or location within an designated Federal ing ‘‘and establish minimum standards and best with inspector general independence
entity, the acting Inspector General shall submit practices for training to ensure all Inspectors and authority long raised by Congress,
to the Committee on Oversight and Reform of General receive training to carry out the duties, civil society, and our inspectors gen-
the House of Representatives and the Committee responsibilities, and authorities under this Act eral. We strongly urge Congress to pass
on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- and on emerging areas of the law of relevance to this legislation to empower our inde-
fairs of the Senate, a list of all audits and inves- Inspectors General and the work of their offices pendent watchdogs to serve the public
tigations being conducted, supervised, coordi- as identified by the Council’’ after ‘‘Inspector
nated by the Office at the time the Inspector even more effectively.’’
General’’.
General was removed, placed on paid or unpaid This bill would enhance the inde-
TITLE XII—BUDGETARY EFFECTS
non-duty status, or transferred.’’. pendence of IGs in several ways. Most
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SEC. 1201. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EF- importantly, it would protect IGs from
TITLE IX—COUNCIL OF THE INSPECTORS FECTS.
GENERAL ON INTEGRITY AND EFFI- The budgetary effects of this Act, for the pur-
being fired simply for doing their jobs.
CIENCY APPROPRIATION pose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As- The bill would only allow an IG to be
SEC. 901. CIGIE APPROPRIATION. You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by ref- removed for a documented cause, based
(a) AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS.— erence to the latest statement titled ‘‘Budgetary on a defined list of nonpartisan rea-
Section 11(c)(3) of the Inspector General Act of Effects of PAYGO Legislation’’ for this Act, sub- sons, such as a knowing violation of
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H3280 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2021
the law, abuse of authority, or gross independence by requiring notification Madam Speaker, through their work,
mismanagement. to Congress before an IG is pushed inspectors general help improve gov-
These removal protections come aside and placed on non-duty status so ernment efficiency and effectiveness.
from a bill I introduced last year, after that we in Congress can support the Their nonpartisan audits and inves-
the previous administration bullied, independence of IGs. tigations work to root out waste,
sidelined, and retaliated against mul- The bill would also empower IGs by fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in
tiple IGs. granting them the authority to sub- all Federal agencies. In fact, the Com-
Last April and May, in six short poena nongovernment witnesses to pro- mittee on Oversight and Reform and
weeks, President Trump fired or side- vide testimony. In many investiga- IGs have this common mission, but IGs
lined four IGs and acting IGs who were tions, testimony from nongovernment occupy a unique spot within the Fed-
simply doing their jobs. witnesses is essential. So providing IGs eral Government. They have a respon-
On April 3, intelligence community with this authority is often the only sibility to their respective agency and
IG Michael Atkinson was fired after he way to root out fraud or other to Congress through the notice require-
provided a whistleblower complaint to wrongdoings. ments.
Congress about President Trump’s now In 2016, our former colleague, Mark When the political parties of the ex-
infamous call with Ukrainian Presi- Meadows, supported a similar provision ecutive branch and Congress are dif-
dent, part of the conduct for which he and highlighted that bill’s procedural ferent, political fights can understand-
was impeached by this body. safeguards, which are essentially the ably erupt. Unfortunately, this has re-
On April 7, President Trump removed cently led to a politicization of IG in-
same in the bill we are considering
Glenn Fine as Acting Defense Depart- vestigations.
today.
ment IG, which blocked IG Fine from That takes us to today’s bill. Many
He stated: ‘‘This bill provides the ex-
serving as chair of the Pandemic Re- provisions in this bill are a step in the
panded authority that the IGs have
sponse Accountability Committee, a right direction to empower IGs to con-
asked for, but with safeguards in place
committee I helped create in the duct robust oversight. However, I re-
to make sure that they protect against
CARES Act to oversee trillions of dol- main concerned about some of the pro-
lars in Federal spending in response to the possibility that an IG’s investiga-
tion would interfere with an ongoing visions in this bill.
the coronavirus pandemic. IG Fine was Title I in this bill would unneces-
simply doing his job. criminal investigation, or do other
sarily constrain the President’s ability
On May 15, President Trump removed harm.’’
to remove an IG, shifting the delicate
Mitch Behm as the Acting Transpor- b 1645 balance between the executive branch
tation Department IG and replaced him The IG Independence and Empower- and Congress. Maintaining the current
with an agency insider. Mr. Behm was ment Act would also close a loophole balance would enable Congress to use
investigating Secretary of Transpor- that prevents the Department of Jus- its own oversight authority if it be-
tation Elaine Chao at the time. tice IG from initiating investigations lieves there is wrongdoing by the Presi-
And, finally, that same day, Presi- dent or an agency head in the removal
into professional misconduct by DOJ
dent Trump fired State Department IG of an IG.
attorneys.
Steve Linick, who, at the time, was in- Next, in title III, the majority has
This bill balances enhanced authori-
vestigating Secretary of State Mike proposed to dramatically limit who can
ties and independence with new ac-
Pompeo for abuse of power and misuse be appointed as an acting inspector
of resources, and replaced him with a countability and transparency meas-
ures for IGs. general if the IG has voluntarily left
political crony. office or been removed. In doing so,
All four of these IGs were just fol- For example, the bill contains the bi-
partisan Integrity Committee Trans- this hinders the President’s ability to
lowing the law and the facts, yet they appoint an IG with whom they have
faced blatant retaliation. This is just parency Act, which would require
greater transparency from the CIGIE confidence.
plain wrong. While there are legitimate concerns
President Trump’s actions struck at Integrity Committee, the body Con-
about IGs serving at multiple agencies,
the heart of why we have IGs, to pro- gress set up to investigate IGs.
this provision goes too far in limiting
vide independent oversight and a check Supporting IG independence has long
the President’s authority over a subset
on executive branch waste, fraud, and been a bipartisan issue. Congress must of executive branch employees.
abuse. act now to protect and empower IGs so Finally, I have serious concerns with
No President should be allowed to re- that they can perform the duties Con- title V, the provision authorizing an
taliate against an IG for simply doing gress has entrusted to them without inspector general to issue testimonial
their jobs, and the IG Independence and being retaliated against. subpoena authorities to compel testi-
Empowerment Act would ensure that I strongly urge my colleagues to sup- mony from former Federal employees.
IGs are protected from this kind of re- port the IG Independence and Em- While it may be helpful for IGs to in-
taliation. powerment Act and continue the bipar- vestigate certain allegations of mis-
In a letter to congressional leader- tisan tradition of protecting and conduct, it also provides IGs with a
ship after the IG firings by Mr. Trump, strengthening IGs. tool that can be easily abused for polit-
nine former IGs wrote and said: ‘‘Forc- To my Republican colleagues who ical purposes. For example, this au-
ing inspectors general to choose be- may say these efforts are about attack- thority would enable new Biden-ap-
tween doing their jobs with integrity ing President Trump, I would respond pointed inspectors general to subpoena
and keeping their positions is not an with this: Joe Biden is the President former Trump administration officials
acceptable model of governance and now. under the guise of any investigation,
oversight. We therefore urge you to I am supporting good governments regardless of the real purpose for the
pass for-cause removal protections for reforms under a Democratic adminis- investigation.
all IGs.’’ tration because I believe in account- Finally, this provision does not pro-
In addition, the IG Independence and ability no matter who the President is vide the necessary protections for
Empowerment Act would ensure tem- and what party they come from. former Federal employees who may be
porary, acting IGs are independent and We are talking about the future. This subjected to the legal fees of dealing
qualified by requiring the acting IG to is about safeguarding taxpayers’ with a subpoena, instead forcing them
be the deputy IG in the same office, or money and protecting the integrity of to pay for counsel to defend against
another senior official from the IG our government. and respond to these subpoenas. With-
community if there is no deputy. This I hope my colleagues on both sides of out meaningful protections to ensure
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would protect against the appointment the aisle will support these critical re- that testimonial subpoena authority
of acting IGs with conflicts of interest forms as well. would not be used to seek out political
or who are acting as political ap- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- retribution, I cannot support this pro-
pointees. ance of my time. vision.
The IG Independence and Empower- Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield Rooting out waste, fraud, abuse, mis-
ment Act would further bolster IG myself such time as I may consume. management, and misconduct is one of
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June 29, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3281
the most important jobs of this com- parency, and accountability from their This comprehensive legislation would
mittee, and inspectors general serve on government. Federal agencies and offi- ensure inspectors general have the
the front lines with us in this mission. cials work for the people, and they tools needed to conduct thorough in-
We must ensure that all of our inspec- must be accountable to the people. vestigations without fear of political
tors general have the tools they need That is why the previous administra- retaliation.
to conduct robust oversight of their re- tion’s assault on the independence of Many of these reforms have had
spective agencies. inspectors general was so alarming. strong bipartisan support for years, in
That is why committee Republicans This is not an attack on a specific ad- particular, my bill, the IG Subpoena
offered multiple amendments at the ministration. As the gentlewoman and Authority Act. This provision grants
markup to address these concerns but chair of the committee has pointed IGs the authority to subpoena testi-
still empower our IGs. We again offered out, we have a Democratic President mony from former employees and con-
compromise amendments at the Rules now, so this is going to bind him. It is tractors as a tool to better undercover
Committee yesterday, but my Demo- not going to bind his predecessors. If waste, fraud, and abuse. Currently, the
crat colleagues have only allowed one anything, it is certainly not anti- absence of such authority hinders the
of these amendments to be made in Biden, but it is to say: President Biden, ability of OIGs to conduct complete
order. we respect you, but we want to have in- oversight in matters of corruption and
I am hopeful that Democrats will spectors general who have the con- injustice.
take the opportunity to pass a major fidence they can move ahead without I know my Republican colleagues
bipartisan bill by adopting this amend- fear of retribution. claim this authority has no protections
ment. If they choose to continue down Former President Trump removed or
from abuse, but that simply is not
their partisan path, I hope my Demo- replaced, as has been pointed out, the
true. This bill includes safeguards to
crat colleagues can stop the repeated inspectors general from the Depart-
ments of Defense, State, Health and ensure that this authority is not
attacks on the Trump administration. abused by requiring that an IG must
Instead, we should focus on ensuring Human Services, and Transportation.
What kind of a check and balance is have a subpoena approved by a panel of
our inspectors general are focused on
that, if a President can simply say, ‘‘I three other IGs.
and equipped to conduct robust over-
don’t like what you are doing. I am re- Additionally, I understand my Re-
sight over agency operations and
moving you’’? I would suggest none, publican colleague may introduce an
spending.
Madam Chair, I reserve the balance with all due respect to my friend. amendment that would strike the sub-
of my time. These watchdogs must be able to act poena authority provision from this
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New independently and be free from polit- bill today. I find this interesting and
York. Madam Speaker, I yield to the ical pressure or threats to their ca- confusing because the IG Subpoena Au-
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), reers. It seems to me that is a very thority Act was first introduced in the
the distinguished majority leader of commonsense, rational judgment to 115th Congress by Republican Congress-
the House, an important leader on this make. That is what this is about. man Steve Russell with the support of
legislation, and a steadfast leader on We introduced our bill to address the then-Chairman Towns and Ranking
this and on so many issues before this challenge exposed by the actions of the Member ISSA, and it passed the House
body. prior administration, that is true. But by unanimous consent.
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I ap- that has not been the only administra- This bill has not changed substan-
preciate Chairwoman MALONEY’s lead- tion that has acted to undermine in- tially since the 115th Congress. What
ership on this issue and so many other spectors general. has changed is the political context in
issues to protect the citizens, protect I urge all of my colleagues to join us which we are trying to pass this re-
consumers, protect voters, and protect, in supporting this legislation today. It form. If a reform was good for govern-
frankly, those who stand up and say will build on the provisions that I ment then, it is a reform that is good
there is wrongdoing. pushed to include in the House Rules for government now. Nothing has
I heard the remarks of the ranking Committee, as I pointed out in Janu- changed.
member, and I appreciate his thought- ary, which protects Federal whistle- Madam Speaker, we need to make
fulness. But as I was listening to him, blowers by making it a violation of sure that the IG Subpoena Authority
I am thinking: How do you make sure House rules for Members to reveal Act is included and passed today. That
that somebody is not cowed by a Presi- their identities. will help strengthen the integrity and
dent, any President, who is prepared to Those who come forward to reveal maintain the accountability in our
take adverse action without cause misconduct or violations of the public Federal agencies.
against somebody because he or she trust need to be heard and must be pro- I thank Chairwoman MALONEY for its
does not like the investigation they are tected from threats of retaliation. If
inclusion in the IG Independence and
that is not the case, it will undermine
undertaking? Empowerment Act. It is a step forward
As the gentleman may know, and as the very objective that we seek in cre-
for good government, and I strongly
my colleagues may know, I urged a ating IGs. They need to know that they
encourage an ‘‘aye’’ vote.
rule that we adopted in this House can go to inspectors general or to Con-
gress under strong whistleblower pro- Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I re-
which said that it is a violation of our serve the balance of my time.
rules to out a whistleblower. We have tections.
House Democrats, and I hope House b 1700
put whistleblower protections in, but
Republicans, will renew the faith in Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New
unfortunately, when we had whistle- government and ensure that it works
blowers come forward most recently, York. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 min-
for the people. We are determined to utes to the gentlewoman from Cali-
they were attacked and attempted to protect and strengthen government ac-
be outed, which would have subjected fornia (Ms. PORTER), the vice chair of
countability.
them, obviously, to the adverse con- I hope all of us, in a bipartisan way, the Subcommittee on Government Op-
sequences against which we tried to will repair this very critical principle erations of the Oversight Committee.
protect them in the legislation that we of accountability for the people of this Ms. PORTER. Madam Speaker, the
passed on whistleblowing. So, I see country. Inspector General Independence and
some analogy between these two. Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I re- Empowerment Act protects our Na-
I thank Vice Chairman GOMEZ, Chair- serve the balance of my time. tion’s government watchdogs.
man CONNOLLY, Chairman LYNCH, and Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New Inspectors general are independent
Representatives PORTER and LIEU for York. Madam Speaker, I yield to the officials responsible for preventing and
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working on this legislation and sup- gentleman from California (Mr. detecting waste, fraud, and abuse. They
porting this legislation. I was proud to GOMEZ), the vice chair of the Com- safeguard the interests of taxpayers
introduce it with the chair of the com- mittee on Oversight and Reform. and weed out corruption. We need
mittee and proud to support it. Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise stronger protections to prevent biased
Madam Speaker, Americans deserve in support of the IG Independence and or unqualified acting inspectors gen-
the highest standards of ethics, trans- Empowerment Act. eral from assuming these vital roles.
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H3282 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2021
I championed such measures in my the Integrity Committee Transparency like to recognize the hard work of the
Accountability for Acting Officials Act, is a bipartisan provision I drafted chairman of the subcommittee. He au-
Act, and I am proud to say they are in- with my ranking member, Mr. HICE. thored two proposals that were in-
cluded in the chairwoman’s bill. These This provision would codify and en- cluded in the bill and was a major lead-
provisions would forbid dual-hatting, hance administrative reporting re- er on it. I thank Mr. CONNOLLY.
serving as both a political appointee forms at the Integrity Committee. Just Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to
and an acting inspector general at the this week, we saw how important that the gentleman from Maryland (Mr.
same agency. This conflict of interest can be. RASKIN), the chairman of the Sub-
compromises the independence of the It would also require the Integrity committee on Civil Rights and Civil
inspector general’s work. Committee to report immediately any Liberties of the Oversight Committee
American taxpayers fund these agen- particularly serious and flagrant prob- and a member of the Select Sub-
cies. They deserve to know that those lems, abuses, or deficiencies at the Of- committee on the Coronavirus Crisis of
agencies are working on their behalf. fice of Inspector General to the IG of the Oversight Committee.
They deserve inspectors general who that office. Mr. RASKIN. Madam Speaker, I
will fight to protect their dollars and Importantly, the provision also ex- thank Chair MALONEY for her wonder-
our government’s integrity. pands the membership of the Integrity ful leadership of the Oversight Com-
I urge my colleagues on both sides of Committee to include a former inspec- mittee.
the aisle to support the Inspector Gen- tor general, increasing acumen and ac- I rise in support of H.R. 2662, the In-
eral Independence and Empowerment countability and some distance. spector General Independence and Em-
Act. These are critical measures nec- powerment Act.
I thank Chair MALONEY for her lead- essary in the wake of cases in which The inspectors general are a remark-
ership on government integrity, includ- the Integrity Committee has some- able innovation in American Govern-
ing this important bill. times fallen short in its reporting to ment that have saved us untold billions
Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I re- this body, to the Congress. In one re- of dollars and checked the corrupt
serve the balance of my time. abuse of power by people controlling
cent allegation of wrongdoing, it took
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New
nearly 4 years for the Integrity Com- Federal departments. They are essen-
York. Madam Speaker, I thank the
mittee to complete its investigation, tial to our ability to legislate as the
gentlewoman from California for her
and employees at that office continued Article I branch and to do meaningful
amendment, her hard work on this bill,
to struggle under an IG who conducted oversight over the executive branch of
and her leadership on the sub-
herself with clear negligence. That government.
committee and committee.
Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to case got resolved today with the an- That is true in general, but it is espe-
the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. CON- nouncement that that IG is going to cially true when we have a President
NOLLY), the chairman of the Sub- retire. like Donald Trump who categorically
committee on Government Operations. IGs cannot afford to be poor leaders, refused to recognize congressional sub-
Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I nor can we afford to have them be poor poenas, blocked members of his admin-
rise today in support of H.R. 2662, the leaders. They must be model Federal istration from coming to testify before
IG Independence and Empowerment employees if their credibility and in- Congress in an unprecedented way, and
Act. I want to thank the chairwoman tegrity are to be trusted. generally refused to cooperate with
of the committee for her leadership, es- We also champion title VII of this congressional factfinding at all.
pecially in bringing forward this im- bill, the Enhanced Whistleblower En- When a President refuses to cooper-
portant legislative package to bolster gagement Act. This provision requires ate with the legislative branch, when
the independence and protection of OIG employees to undergo whistle- he obstructs Congress at every turn,
oversight of Federal inspectors general blower training, mandates engagement the IGs are our only source of informa-
while holding them more accountable between a designated whistleblower co- tion. It is imperative that we protect
to Congress and the American people ordinator and the Integrity Com- our inspectors general’s independence
at the same time. mittee, and requires CIGIE to identify and their impartiality so they will not
Our Subcommittee on Government best practices for the timely and appro- be reduced to the level of being Presi-
Operations held a hearing in April that priate handling of alleged reprisals dential sycophants who are party loy-
highlighted the need for this legisla- within an OIG. alists.
tion. At the hearing, we discussed how The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The Supreme Court has recognized
the former President, Mr. Trump, ex- time of the gentleman has expired. the importance of IG independence,
ploited statutory loopholes repeatedly Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New noting that it is ‘‘vital to effectuating
to attack Federal IGs, firing well-re- York. Madam Speaker, I yield the gen- Congress’ intent and maintaining an
spected IGs for investigating policies of tleman such time as he may consume. opportunity for objective inquiries into
political allies he liked. Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, bureaucratic waste, fraud, abuse, and
President Trump also appointed po- this measure is nearly identical to a bi- mismanagement.’’
litical agency officials to serve as act- partisan provision in the Senate craft- This bill will ensure that the IGs
ing IGs, this double-hatting Ms. POR- ed by Republican Senator GRASSLEY have the tools that they need to con-
TER just talked about. This legislation from Iowa. duct thorough investigations on behalf
would address that. We cannot allow In addition to these provisions, the of the American people, and it will pro-
these actions to be repeated. bill includes several other important tect them from unjust political retalia-
IGs are unique in the Federal Gov- measures to bolster the independence tion.
ernment, serving to root out waste, of our nonpartisan watchdogs. This bill Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield
fraud, abuse, and gross mismanage- is an important bill in reasserting the myself such time as I may consume.
ment. They report both to the execu- independence, accountability, and Madam Speaker, I am excited to lis-
tive and legislative branches of govern- transparency of IGs. They are a critical ten to the enthusiasm from my col-
ment. This bill bolsters IGs on both part of making this government work leagues on the other side of the aisle
fronts. and rebuilding American trust in its and their newfound passion for over-
Importantly, the bill ensures the government. sight. The Republicans on the Over-
President or an agency head can re- I thank the distinguished chair- sight Committee have been asking for
move an IG only for documented cause, woman for her leadership in bringing many hearings on many different areas
and I think that is a very important this bill before us. I urge Members on of potential oversight, potential waste,
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new standard. This measure will ensure both sides of the aisle to support this fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in
that IGs can be removed when appro- bill. the Federal Government. But thus far,
priate and cannot be removed simply Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I re- in this new Congress, my friends on the
because they speak truth to power. serve the balance of my time. other side of the aisle have only been
I authored two additional provisions Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New interested in oversight of the previous
included in this legislation. The first, York. Madam Speaker, first, I would administration.
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June 29, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3283
I am getting really excited for the The April massacre of IGs was an un- tor General Access Act, which grants
taxpayers of America because I feel precedented power play by the Presi- the inspector general of the Depart-
like, today, I am hearing that my dent, a ruthless President who some- ment of Justice the authority to inves-
friends on the other side of the aisle how thought they worked for him. tigate misconduct by DOJ attorneys.
are interested in ensuring that there is They don’t work for him. They didn’t The DOJ inspector general is cur-
good government, that we have trans- work for him. They work for the Amer- rently the only Federal inspector gen-
parency. ican people, and that is why, since the eral without this authority. This is
One thing that I would like to men- founding of this country, we have been simply unacceptable.
tion in this bill is that the Oversight so committed to it. DOJ attorneys wield a tremendous
Committee is responsible for oversight, Today’s legislation will protect IGs amount of power, including the ability
and we want to work with the inspec- from retaliation and increase their to make life and death decisions. It is
tors general. We have a lot of agree- independence, ensuring they operate crucial that these attorneys are held to
ment in this bill, and I will talk about free from political interference. Those the highest level of professionalism,
that during my closing remarks. But I complaints that those IGs were looking and that their actions and conduct are
do believe there is the potential for us at were brought to them by individ- subject to independent oversight.
to compromise and have a bipartisan uals. It was a political move by the For this reason, I wholeheartedly
bill that actually might have a chance President to fire them. support the Inspector General Inde-
to become law down the hall. I am interested that my colleague on pendence Act, and I urge my colleagues
But I hope that this newfound enthu- the other side of the aisle was con- to do the same.
siasm for oversight will carry over, and cerned about the costs of being rep- Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield
we can do what the Oversight Com- resented by counsel when someone who myself the balance of my time.
mittee is supposed to do and not rely is a Federal employee is called in to Just a couple of things I want to
as heavily on unelected bureaucrats. testify. Maybe we can work on a bill to make sure that everyone understands
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- make sure that every Federal em- with respect to this bill. This bill is a
ance of my time. ployee has that benefit. No one talked combination of 10 different bills. Re-
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New about that when Ambassador publicans support seven of the 10 bills.
York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself Yovanovitch was called in to testify or Seven of the 10 bills we could pass pret-
such time as I may consume. National Security Advisor Fiona Hill ty close to unanimously in this Cham-
Madam Speaker, I thank the gen- or Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, all of ber that would strengthen the IGs and
tleman, my dear friend and colleague, whom had to pick up the tab for the at- not hamper a President’s ability to ter-
for having great enthusiasm for over- torneys representing them. minate an IG that may not agree with
sight and combating waste, fraud, and Last month during a hearing before their ideology.
abuse. I would respectfully offer to him the Oversight Subcommittee on Gov- No one in Congress would hire a
that the best way to conduct that is to ernment Operations, the current Chair staffer that adamantly opposed their
give the power to the IGs to conduct le- of the Council of the Inspectors Gen- ideology. No one in the private sector
gitimate investigations. What we have eral, Inspector General Allison Lerner, would have a staffer be a spokesperson
seen is that when there comes a legiti- testified that while they offer multiple or an employee that fundamentally dis-
mate investigation, they are often trainings for IGs, the trainings are not agreed with the direction that person
moved aside, fired, or retaliated mandated. wanted to lead their company. And the
against. I believe, without mandated training, same should be true with the President
So, I welcome the gentleman’s enthu- it is impossible to ensure that IGs are of the United States.
siasm. I hope he will join with me in operating at the highest level and are With respect to President Trump’s
supporting giving the power to IGs to well-equipped to carry out their duties, termination of inspectors general, I
conduct legitimate investigations of so I am pleased that my amendment re- want to mention a couple of termi-
waste, fraud, and abuse. quiring minimum standards and best nations that the President did. Presi-
As I said in my opening remarks, for practices for training IGs has been in- dent Trump removed the Intelligence
every dollar we spend on IGs, we get cluded in this bill. Community Inspector General Michael
back $17, really hundreds of millions of Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I re- Atkinson because he flaunted strict
dollars back from their oversight and serve the balance of my time. whistleblower procedures to provide
work. b 1715 the Ukraine whistleblower report to
Madam Speaker, I want to remind Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New Chairman SCHIFF.
the gentleman, as he knows from our York. Madam Speaker, may I inquire Now, we support good government.
hearings, there are many provisions in how much time is remaining? We want to protect whistleblowers. We
this bill that are bipartisan, several The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- want to encourage whistleblowers to
that Mr. CONNOLLY just mentioned that tlewoman from New York has 81⁄2 min- come forward. ADAM SCHIFF did more
we were working on. I look forward to utes remaining. The gentleman from to damage prospective whistleblowers
working with him and passing this bill. Kentucky has 231⁄2 minutes remaining. than any Member of this body. And the
It should be bipartisan. Oversight Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New IG was complicit with him in that.
and accountability should be bipar- York. Madam Speaker, I thank my col- That was a rightful termination by
tisan. I hope the gentleman joins us in league, JACKIE SPEIER, for her tremen- President Trump.
voting for this important bill. dous work on this bill, and one of the Acting Inspector General Christi
Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to major provisions was a bill of hers that Grimm purposely released an outdated
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. was incorporated into it. and misleading report claiming there
SPEIER), the chair of the Subcommittee I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman were shortages of medical equipment
on Military Personnel of the Armed from North Carolina (Ms. ROSS), a at hospitals which was found to be en-
Services Committee. She also serves on newly elected Member from the great tirely inaccurate and likely was politi-
the Oversight and Reform Committee State of North Carolina and a member cally motivated. That is why President
and is the co-chair of the Democratic of the Judiciary Committee. Trump terminated her.
Women’s Caucus. Ms. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I thank So there are examples of a President
Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, the the gentlewoman for yielding. rightfully terminating an inspector
history of whistleblowing dates back to I rise today in support of the Inspec- general, and I don’t think that this bill
the founding of this country. The Con- tor General Independence Act. Inspec- is the right path to move forward. This
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tinental Congress was committed to tors general are vital to the integrity, is overlegislating.
making sure that whistleblowers would efficiency, and efficacy of our Govern- We are passing a lot of bills out of
have a voice. Last year alone, $2.2 bil- ment. It is crucial that they operate this Chamber that are dead upon ar-
lion was saved by the taxpayers be- free from political influence. rival in the Senate. When we pass a bill
cause of whistleblowers in our govern- This critical legislation includes a bi- that has bipartisan support, that
ment. partisan bill I introduced, the Inspec- makes a difference in the Senate. We
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H3284 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2021
could achieve that, and I have an operate with IG investigations. This has lim- their job. They can only be removed for
amendment that goes a long way to- ited the ability of our watchdogs to effec- just cause, such as violating the law or
wards making this bill bipartisan. tively review federal programs for waste and gross mismanagement.
fraud and to investigate federal employees
So with respect to oversight, I think In passing this legislation, we will be
accused of misconduct. The IG Independence
the American people are upset over and Empowerment Act would address this by strengthening our democracy, and we
COVID–19. Speaker PELOSI created a giving inspectors general the authority to will send a strong message that Con-
Select Committee on the Coronavirus compel testimony from former agency offi- gress supports accountability and an
Crisis, which is a subsidiary of the cials, subcontractors, or grantees where that effective government.
House Oversight Committee, we share testimony would be relevant to ongoing in- I urge all my colleagues to vote
the same staff. We have been asking for vestigations. ‘‘yes’’ on this bill. It should be a bipar-
Another weakness is that the president can
hearings on the origins of COVID–19 fire these watchdogs and replace them with tisan bill.
and had no response, no luck from my unqualified or conflicted individuals, expos- Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal-
friends across the aisle, so we had a ing the work of these offices to unnecessary ance of my time.
hearing today. We had a forum. And it political interference. The public and Con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time
was very productive. And I think the gress depend on inspectors general to ensure for debate has expired.
people of America appreciated that. our federal agencies are functioning effec- Each further amendment printed in
That is oversight. tively, but these watchdogs must be con- part A of House Report 117–74 not ear-
So our committee can go a lot fur- fident they will not be fired for doing that lier considered as part of amendments
job well. As nine former inspectors general
ther with respect to oversight, and I en bloc pursuant to section 3 of House
recently wrote to Congress, ‘‘Forcing inspec-
think that we could come to a bipar- tors general to choose between doing their Resolution 504, shall be considered only
tisan compromise to strengthen the jobs with integrity and keeping their posi- in the order printed in the report, may
IGs without politicizing the IGs, with- tions is not an acceptable model of govern- be offered only by a Member designated
out hampering a President’s ability to ance and oversight.’’ The IG Independence in the report, shall be considered as
get rid of a bad IG. and Empowerment Act places reasonable read, shall be debatable for the time
I strongly oppose this bill. I hope limits on when a president can remove an in- specified in the report equally divided
through the amendment process it can spector general and who can serve in the and controlled by the proponent and an
get better, that it can pass in a bipar- event of a vacancy, and will further insulate
the critical oversight offices from politics.
opponent, may be withdrawn by the
tisan manner, and we can strengthen There are many other critical reforms in proponent at any time before the ques-
the IGs, and we can send a message to this comprehensive legislation that have tion is put thereon, shall not be subject
the Senate that we have a bipartisan been crafted to address problems with in- to amendment, and shall not be subject
bill that you should take up and Presi- spector general independence and authority to a demand for division of the ques-
dent Biden can hopefully sign into law. long raised by Congress, civil society, and tion.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- our inspectors general. We strongly urge It shall be in order at any time for
ance of my time. Congress to pass this legislation to empower
the chair of the Committee on Over-
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New our independent watchdogs to serve the pub-
lic even more effectively. sight and Reform or her designee to
York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself Sincerely, offer amendments en bloc consisting of
the balance of my time. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in further amendments printed in part A
Independence is the bedrock principle Washington (CREW), Common Cause, of House Report 117–74, not earlier dis-
of inspectors general, and this legisla- Demand Progress, Government Ac- posed of. Amendments en bloc shall be
tion would protect and enhance their countability Project, Government In- considered as read, shall be debatable
critical work. formation Watch, Mainers for Account- for 20 minutes equally divided and con-
As I mentioned earlier, this legisla- able Leadership, National Security
trolled by the chair and ranking minor-
tion has the support of several non- Counselors, Open The Government,
Project On Government Oversight ity member of the Committee on Over-
partisan, good government groups, in- sight and Reform or their respective
(POGO), Protect Democracy, Public
cluding the Project on Government Citizen, Stand Up America, Taxpayers designees, shall not be subject to
Oversight, the Government Account- for Common Sense, The Digital Democ- amendment, and shall not be subject to
ability Project, Taxpayers for Common racy Project. a demand for division of the question.
Sense, and many, many others. It also Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New AMENDMENTS EN BLOC OFFERED BY MRS.
contains several bipartisan bills that York. The reforms we are considering CAROLYN B. MALONEY OF NEW YORK
are part of the overall inspector gen- today are only one part of the work Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New
eral reform bill. I ask that the support Congress needs to prevent future Presi- York. Madam Speaker, pursuant to
letters from the good government dents from abusing power. I also House Resolution 504, I offer amend-
groups be included in the RECORD. strongly support the broad Protecting ments en bloc.
JUNE 28, 2021. Our Democracy Act, which Chairman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: The undersigned SCHIFF has spearheaded, and I look for- Clerk will designate the amendments
organizations write to express our support ward to that bill’s consideration very
for the IG Independence and Empowerment en bloc.
soon. Amendments en bloc consisting of
Act (H.R. 2662) and to urge you to vote for
I do want to say that the Select Com- amendment Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 printed
this critical legislation.
Our federal inspectors general (IGs) iden- mittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, un- in part A of House Report 117–74, of-
tify and investigate waste, fraud, and abuse like the description from my good fered by Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of
within the executive branch. The importance friend and colleague, has held 15 hear- New York:
of their work cannot be overstated. Execu- ings of oversight. They have disclosed
AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MRS. AXNE OF
tive branch officials and Members of Con- and recovered millions of dollars of il- IOWA
gress from both sides of the aisle rely on legal spending or corrupt spending.
oversight conducted by inspectors general to Page 6, after line 16, add the following new
There is a hearing tomorrow, which section (and amend the table of contents ac-
inform their policy-making. These watch-
will be the 16th hearing of the com- cordingly):
dogs continually return substantial savings
for taxpayers. In fiscal year 2020 alone, in- mittee, and we welcome you to join us SEC. 103. REMOVAL OR TRANSFER REQUIRE-
spectors general identified potential savings at that subcommittee hearing if you so MENTS.
of approximately $53 billion. And perhaps wish. (a) REASONS FOR REMOVAL OR TRANSFER.—
most importantly, inspectors general inves- The inspector general community Section 3(b) of the Inspector General Act of
tigate and expose abuses of power that may just, in general, has been attacked in 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), as amended by section
infringe on constitutional rights. recent years. By passing this IG Inde- 102, is further amended—
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If enacted, this legislation would address pendence and Empowerment Act, Con- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘reasons’’
critical weaknesses in laws that have limited and inserting ‘‘substantive rationale, includ-
gress would send a strong message in
the effectiveness and threatened the inde- ing detailed and case-specific reasons,’’; and
pendence of these watchdogs. the strongest terms that no adminis- (2) by inserting at the end the following
For example, most inspectors general lack tration, regardless of President or new paragraph:
the authority to compel former agency offi- party, can bully or retaliate or act ‘‘(3) If there is an open or completed in-
cials, subcontractors, or subgrantees to co- against an IG when the IG is doing quiry into an Inspector General that relates
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June 29, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3285
to the removal or transfer of the Inspector ‘‘(iii) result in loss of or damage to Govern- ‘‘(ii) the substantive rationale, including
General under paragraph (1), the written ment property; detailed and case-specific reasons, for such
communication required under that para- ‘‘(B) in the communication, the President determination;
graph shall— includes— ‘‘(iii) if the head relied on an inquiry to
‘‘(A) identify each entity that is con- ‘‘(i) a specification of which clause the make such determination, an identification
ducting, or that conducted, the inquiry; and President relied on to make the determina- of each entity that is conducting, or that
‘‘(B) in the case of a completed inquiry, tion under subparagraph (A); conducted, such inquiry; and
contain the findings made during the in- ‘‘(ii) the substantive rationale, including ‘‘(iv) if an inquiry described in clause (iii)
quiry.’’. detailed and case-specific reasons, for such is completed, the findings of that inquiry.
(b) REASONS FOR REMOVAL OR TRANSFER determination; ‘‘(4) The head may not place an Inspector
FOR DESIGNATED FEDERAL ENTITIES.—Section ‘‘(iii) if the President relied on an inquiry General on paid or unpaid non-duty status
8G(e) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 to make such determination, an identifica- during the 30-day period preceding the date
U.S.C. App.) is amended— tion of each entity that is conducting, or on which the Inspector General is removed
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘reasons’’ that conducted, such inquiry; and or transferred under paragraph (1) unless the
and inserting ‘‘substantive rationale, includ- ‘‘(iv) if an inquiry described in clause (iii) head—
ing detailed and case-specific reasons,’’; and is completed, the findings of that inquiry. ‘‘(A) determines that not placing the In-
(2) by inserting at the end the following ‘‘(4) The President may not place an In- spector General on paid or unpaid non-duty
new paragraph: spector General on paid or unpaid non-duty status would—
‘‘(3) If there is an open or completed in- status during the 30-day period preceding the ‘‘(i) pose a threat to the Inspector General
quiry into an Inspector General that relates date on which the Inspector General is re- or others;
to the removal or transfer of the Inspector moved or transferred under paragraph (1) un- ‘‘(ii) result in the destruction of evidence
General under paragraph (2), the written less the President— relevant to an investigation; or
communication required under that para- ‘‘(A) determines that not placing the In- ‘‘(iii) result in loss of or damage to Govern-
graph shall— spector General on paid or unpaid non-duty ment property; and
‘‘(A) identify each entity that is con- status would— ‘‘(B) on or before the date on which the
ducting, or that conducted, the inquiry; and ‘‘(i) pose a threat to the Inspector General placement takes effect, submits to the Com-
‘‘(B) in the case of a completed inquiry, or others; mittee in the House of Representatives and
contain the findings made during the in- ‘‘(ii) result in the destruction of evidence the Committee in the Senate that has juris-
quiry.’’. relevant to an investigation; or diction over the Inspector General involved,
AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MS. BOURDEAU ‘‘(iii) result in loss of or damage to Govern- the Committee on Oversight and Reform of
OF GEORGIA ment property; and the House of Representatives, and the Com-
Page 34, line 1, strike ‘‘and’’ and insert ‘‘,’’. ‘‘(B) on or before the date on which the mittee on Homeland Security and Govern-
Page 34, line 3, insert ‘‘, and on the use of placement takes effect, submits to the Com- mental Affairs of the Senate, a written com-
and process for the suspension or debarment mittee in the House of Representatives and munication that contains the following in-
of persons for eligibility for Federal con- the Committee in the Senate that has juris- formation—
tracts’’ after ‘‘Council’’. diction over the Inspector General involved, ‘‘(i) a specification of which clause under
the Committee on Oversight and Reform of subparagraph (A) the head relied on to make
AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MR. CARTER OF
the House of Representatives, and the Com- the determination under such subparagraph;
LOUISIANA
mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- ‘‘(ii) the substantive rationale, including
Page 34, after line 3, insert the following detailed and case-specific reasons, for such
(and amend the table of contents and redes- mental Affairs of the Senate, a written com-
munication that contains the following in- determination;
ignate the subsequent titles accordingly): ‘‘(iii) if the head relied on an inquiry to
formation—
TITLE XII—EQUITABLE PAY FOR ‘‘(i) a specification of which clause under make such determination, an identification
INSPECTORS GENERAL subparagraph (A) the President relied on to of each entity that is conducting, or that
SEC. 1201. EQUITABLE PAY FOR INSPECTORS make the determination under such subpara- conducted, such inquiry; and
GENERAL. graph; ‘‘(iv) if an inquiry described in clause (iii)
Section 3(e) of the Inspector General Act of ‘‘(ii) the substantive rationale, including is completed, the findings of that inquiry.’’.
1978 (5 U.S.C. App) is amended by inserting detailed and case-specific reasons, for such Page 7, strike line 22 and all that follows
after ‘‘3 percent’’ the following: ‘‘or the rate determination; through line 24 and insert the following:
of pay that is equal to the highest rate of ‘‘(iii) if the President relied on an inquiry (d) APPLICATION.—The amendments made
basic pay of any other employee of the Office to make such determination, an identifica- by this section shall apply with respect to
of such Inspector General, whichever is high- tion of each entity that is conducting, or removals, transfers, and changes of status
er’’. that conducted, such inquiry; and occurring on or after the date that is 30 days
AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MR. MALINOWSKI ‘‘(iv) if an inquiry described in clause (iii) after the date of the enactment of this Act.
OF NEW JERSEY is completed, the findings of that inquiry.’’. Page 29, line 20, strike ‘‘ESTABLISHMENT’’
Page 7, line 4, strike ‘‘OFFICES’’ and insert (2) COMMUNICATION RELATING TO CHANGE IN and insert ‘‘OFFICE’’.
STATUS OF INSPECTOR GENERAL OF DESIGNATED Page 30, line 10, strike ‘‘is’’ and insert ‘‘, as
‘‘OFFICE’’.
Page 7, line 13, strike ‘‘ENTITIES’’ and in- FEDERAL ENTITY.—Section 8G(e) of the In- amended by section 202(c)(2), is further’’.
sert ‘‘ENTITY’’. spector General Act Inspector General Act of Page 30, line 12, strike ‘‘(3)’’ and insert
Page 7, after line 21, insert the following: 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended— ‘‘(5)’’.
(c) EXCEPTION TO REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘If’’ and AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MR. TORRES OF
COMMUNICATION RELATING TO CERTAIN inserting ‘‘Except as provided in paragraph NEW YORK
CHANGES IN STATUS.— (3), if’’; and Page 34, after line 3, insert the following
(1) COMMUNICATION RELATING TO CHANGE IN (B) by adding at the end the following: (and amend the table of contents and redes-
STATUS OF INSPECTOR GENERAL OF OFFICE.— ‘‘(3) If an Inspector General is placed on ignate the subsequent titles accordingly):
Section 3(b) of the Inspector General Act of paid or unpaid non-duty status, the head of a
1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), as amended by section designated Federal entity may submit the TITLE XII—REPORT
102(1), is further amended— communication described in paragraph (1) to SEC. 1201. GAO REVIEW AND REPORT.
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘If’’ and Congress later than 30 days before the In- Not later than 1 year after the date of the
inserting ‘‘Except as provided in paragraph spector General is placed on paid or unpaid enactment of this Act, the Comptroller Gen-
(3), if’’; and non-duty status, but in any case not later eral shall—
(B) by adding at the end the following: than the date on which the placement takes (1) conduct a review that evaluates the ef-
‘‘(3) If an Inspector General is placed on effect, if— fectiveness of the processes of the Integrity
paid or unpaid non-duty status, the Presi- ‘‘(A) the head determines that a delay in Committee of the Council of the Inspectors
dent may submit the communication de- placing the Inspector General on paid or un- General on Integrity and Efficiency, and the
scribed in paragraph (1) to Congress later paid non-duty status would— processes of Offices of Inspector General, re-
than 30 days before the Inspector General is ‘‘(i) pose a threat to the Inspector General spectively, for ensuring that Inspectors Gen-
placed on paid or unpaid non-duty status, or others; eral—
but in any case not later than the date on ‘‘(ii) result in the destruction of evidence (A) are held accountable through the inves-
which the placement takes effect, if— relevant to an investigation; or tigation of allegations of wrongdoing, in-
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‘‘(A) the President determines that a delay ‘‘(iii) result in loss of or damage to Govern- cluding allegations of misconduct, abuse of
in placing the Inspector General on paid or ment property; authority, or other malfeasance, that are
unpaid non-duty status would— ‘‘(B) in the communication, the head in- made against such Inspectors General; and
‘‘(i) pose a threat to the Inspector General cludes— (B) meet relevant standards for integrity
or others; ‘‘(i) a specification of which clause under and independence;
‘‘(ii) result in the destruction of evidence subparagraph (A) the head relied on to make (2) identify recommendations with respect
relevant to an investigation; or the determination under such subparagraph; to—
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H3286 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2021
(A) enhancing accountability for Inspec- The base bill would require that the pens when the majority decides to go it
tors General; and President or an independent agency alone rather than seeking to work to-
(B) ensuring that Inspectors General meet head would notify Congress at least 30 gether to craft strong bipartisan legis-
relevant standards for integrity and inde- lation.
days before placing an IG on non-duty
pendence; and
status. This bloc of amendments is the per-
(3) issue a report—
(A) on the results of the review required by This amendment would make an ex- fect analog for this legislation—many
paragraph (1); and ception to that requirement if any good provisions mixed with a few poi-
(B) that contains any recommendations delay in that placement would mean a son bills, which undermine the intent
identified under paragraph (2). threat to people, property, or an ongo- of the legislation as a whole. Therefore,
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ing investigation. I must ask my colleagues to vote
ant to House Resolution 504, the gen- This amendment would give the against this package of amendments.
tlewoman from New York (Mrs. CARO- President or agency head flexibility in Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal-
LYN B. MALONEY) and the gentleman the case of a documented threat, while ance of my time.
ensuring Congress is notified of any Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New
from Kentucky (Mr. COMER) each will
change to an IG status in advance York. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute
control 10 minutes. to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr.
The Chair recognizes the gentle- whenever possible.
And, finally, an amendment offered CARTER), one of the newest members of
woman from New York.
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New our caucus. He serves on the Commit-
by Congressman RITCHIE TORRES,
tees of Transportation and Infrastruc-
York. Madam Speaker, the amendment which would provide a needed review of
ture and Small Business.
offered by Congresswoman CINDY AXNE all processes to ensure IGs are held ac- Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam
would increase transparency when an countable. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for
inspector general is removed. This amendment would require the her incredible leadership on this very
This amendment would require the Government Accountability Office to critical and important legislation.
President or independent agency head review existing processes for inves- Madam Speaker, I rise today because
to provide Congress a detailed case-spe- tigating allegations of IG wrongdoing, I support this bill and the common-
cific explanation when firing an IG. including the processes of the CIGIE sense amendment that I have for it. I
The amendment would also require Integrity Committee. The results of thank the chairwoman for her incred-
the President or independent agency this review would provide Congress ible hard work on this important issue.
head to provide to Congress the find- with critical information to know how Inspectors general play a key role in
ings from an inquiry that led to the well these processes are working and our government. They provide trans-
IG’s removal. how to improve them, if needed. parency and accountability into gov-
These requirements would enhance IGs provide a critical check on waste, ernment programs and spending. They
IG independence in addition to the crit- fraud, and abuse in the government, help prevent waste and fix mismanage-
ical for-cause removal protections al- and their own conduct must be above ment and abuse.
ready in the bill. reproach. The IG Independence and Empower-
The amendment offered by Congress- Madam Speaker, I urge my col- ment Act would ensure that they have
woman CAROLYN BOURDEAUX would en- leagues to adopt this commonsense the autonomy and the authority to do
hance training requirements for inspec- package of amendments, and I reserve their jobs without political inter-
tors general. the balance of my time. ference. My amendment is simple and
This amendment would ensure that Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise in line with the goals of the bill. It
IGs are trained in an important aspect to oppose the amendments en bloc. would ensure that the inspector gen-
of their oversight work over Federal Madam Speaker, some of the amend- eral is paid commensurate to their
contractors. ments in the proposed package attempt task.
The suspension and debarment proc- to be helpful and improve the bill, but Currently, IGs make less money than
ess provides an essential tool to hold most are just Band-Aids attempting to some of their senior advisers. I think
Federal contractors accountable for cover up flawed provisions. the person with the most responsibility
waste, fraud, and abuse. For example, one amendment at- should be paid accordingly. If we want
Federal procurement law and the sus- tempts to paper over the flaws in title the best people to work these impor-
pension and debarment processes are I by expanding the requirement for the tant jobs, we need to make sure that
highly complex, and it is important President to provide his or her ration- their pay matches their role. My
that all IGs are well-versed on these ale to Congress detailing why an IG amendment would fix an unintended
issues. was removed. consequence of current law and
This training will help make IGs Yes, understanding the President’s strengthen IG offices so that they can
even more effective and efficient and rationale for removing an IG is very better carry out their essential work.
could lead to more taxpayer savings. important to Congress. This amend- Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I re-
The amendment offered by Congress- serve the balance of my time.
ment, however, fails to address the fun-
man TROY CARTER would ensure IGs Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New
damental issue in the section, specifi-
are paid at an equitable level with sen- York. Madam Speaker, I support all of
cally limiting the reasons for an IG’s
ior staff in their office. the en bloc amendments, including Mr.
removal or transferred to only nine
Through an unintended consequence CARTER’s, and I yield back the balance
constraining reasons.
in current law, IGs are sometimes paid of my time.
Another provision in this package
less than the senior staff in their own Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield
seeks to amend title II, but title II al-
offices. This inequity could lead to dif- back the balance of my time.
ready passed earlier this Congress as a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
ficulty in attracting the most qualified
standalone bill by voice vote under sus- ant to House Resolution 504, the pre-
people to be IGs.
This amendment would add language pension. This amendment to title II vious question is ordered on the
to current law providing that IGs have would undermine that broadly sup- amendments en bloc offered by the
to be paid at least the same rate of pay ported bill by creating an easy-to- gentlewoman from New York (Mrs.
as the highest paid employee in the abuse loophole for a President to re- CAROLYN B. MALONEY).
IG’s office. move an IG immediately, rather than The question is on the amendments
This simple change would help ensure waiting the 30 days for Congress to re- en bloc.
that IGs are paid what they deserve for view the required notice of removal. The question was taken; and the
the critical work they perform. My Democrat colleagues have stated Speaker pro tempore announced that
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
constantly that the goal of their legis- the ayes appeared to have it.
b 1730 lation is to ensure that it is incredibly Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, on
The amendment offered by Congress- difficult to remove an IG, yet they sup- that I demand the yeas and nays.
man TOM MALINOWSKI would balance port an amendment that would gut this The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
notification to Congress with the need and allow our President to circumvent ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
to address an immediate threat. the will of Congress. This is what hap- 8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
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June 29, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3287
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- have strong bipartisan support. How- refused to cooperate with investiga-
ther proceedings on this question are ever, my amendment addresses the tions. No Federal employee should be
postponed. problematic language in these three able to simply avoid and escape ac-
AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MR. COMER sections. That is why I ask my Repub- countability by leaving government
The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now lican and Democrat colleagues to pass and saying, ‘‘I just no longer will tes-
in order to consider amendment No. 4 this amendment to enable us to nego- tify or participate in finding the
printed in part A of House Report 117– tiate a bipartisan solution for the in- truth.’’
74. spector general community that can be These provisions were passed by the
Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I have signed into law. Committee on Oversight and Reform
an amendment at the desk. Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- and the House in 2018, in a Republican-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ance of my time. led bill, and contained carefully crafted
Clerk will designate the amendment. Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New compromises struck by Chairman ISSA
The text of the amendment is as fol- York. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposi- and Ranking Member Cummings years
lows: tion to this amendment ago.
Page 4, strike line 1 and all that follows
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Madam Speaker, this legislation pro-
through page 6, line 16. tlewoman from New York is recognized vides procedural safeguards to ensure
Page 9, strike line 3 and all that follows for 5 minutes. that subpoena authority is not abused
through page 10, line 10. Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New and it does not interfere with ongoing
Page 22, strike line 20 and all that follows York. Madam Speaker, this amend- investigations. For example, the bill
through page 27, line 14. ment would absolutely gut the bill. will require an inspector general to ob-
Redesignate and renumber the remaining The amendment would strike the bill’s tain the approval of a panel of three
titles and sections and amend the table of key protection for inspectors general
contents accordingly. other inspectors general in order to
against political retaliation by elimi- issue a subpoena for testimony.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- nating the protection that would only A few IGs, including the Department
ant to House Resolution 504, the gen- allow an IG to be removed only for a le- of Defense IG, already have this au-
tleman from Kentucky (Mr. COMER) gitimate cause. Not for political retal- thority. The language I authored and
and a Member opposed each will con- iation, not because a President doesn’t that the Congress passed on a bipar-
trol 5 minutes. like what they are doing or an inves- tisan basis, the Pandemic Response Ac-
The Chair recognizes the gentleman tigation that they have started, but countability Committee was provided
from Kentucky. only for mismanagement or illegal acts testimonial subpoena authority when
Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, this for cause. it was created as part of the CARES
amendment strips out the three provi- We saw last year how unlimited au- Act last Congress.
sions of this legislation that do not thority can be abused when President There are many instances of former
have bipartisan support in order for the Trump bullied and retaliated against officials and nongovernment employees
IG Independence and Empowerment two IGs who were investigating his ad- avoiding IG interviews going back over
Act to move forward with the full sup- ministration, including when he fired a decade. For example, IGs were unable
port of the U.S. House. Both sides of the State Department IG. These pro- to interview retired agents in the
the aisle can then come back to the tections are constitutional. ‘‘Fast and Furious’’ investigation, and
table to fix the remaining provisions in Last month, the Independent Con- nongovernment witnesses to the Car-
a manner that addresses concerns on gressional Review Service released an ter-Page FISA warrant investigation.
both sides of the aisle. analysis of congressional authority to This has never been a partisan issue
Specifically, my amendment strikes limit the removal of IGs and concluded before. In fact, the underlying bill had
title I, which would artificially con- that for-cause removal restrictions many, many bipartisan pieces. So in a
strain the President from removing or ‘‘appear to be a constitutionally per- letter to the Committee on Oversight
reassigning an IG to one of nine spe- missible means of encouraging inde- and Reform, Department of Justice In-
cific reasons listed in the provision. pendence for most IGs.’’ spector General has also come out
As drafted, title I would have the ef- Madam Speaker, this amendment against this.
fect of prohibiting a President from re- would also gut the protection in the Madam Speaker, I strongly urge a
moving an IG who is acting in bad faith bill against the appointment of acting ‘‘no’’ vote on this amendment, and I
and undermining a duly elected Presi- IGs with a clear conflict of interest. yield back the balance of my time.
dent’s policies in a purely partisan The amendment would strike a require- Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield
manner. ment that acting IGs come from an Of- back the balance of my time.
My amendment also strikes title III, fice of Inspector General. The Council The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
which strictly limits who the President of Inspectors General for Integrity and ant to House Resolution 504, the pre-
could name as the acting inspector Efficiency requested this reform, pro- vious question is ordered on the
general to the ‘‘first assistant.’’ This posed by Republican Representative amendment offered by the gentleman
provision does not include any com- PORTER, as one of its top legislative from Kentucky (Mr. COMER).
monsense exceptions, creating unin- priorities in order to ‘‘enhance the The question is on the amendment.
tended consequences. independence of OIGs.’’ The question was taken; and the
For example, it could elevate an indi- We saw serious abuses during the last Speaker pro tempore announced that
vidual to acting IG who may be en- administration. In both the Depart- the noes appear to have it.
gaged in the same misconduct which ment of Transportation and the De- Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, on
caused the original IG to have been re- partment of State, President Trump that I demand the yeas and nays. The
moved. named political appointees within the SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to
Lastly, my amendment strikes title agency to serve as the acting IG over- section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the
V of the bill, which grants inspectors seeing the same agency. yeas and nays are ordered.
general the authority to issue sub- Finally, this amendment would strip Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur-
poenas to compel the testimony of from the bill an important reform that ther proceedings on this question are
former Federal officials, including po- would allow IGs to issue a subpoena to postponed.
litical appointees. require individuals outside of the Fed-
While I support granting IGs testi- eral Government to provide testimony, b 1745
monial subpoena authority, the cur- if needed, for an investigation. This has Amendments En Bloc Offered by Mrs.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
rent provision lacks necessary safe- long been a priority for inspectors gen- CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York
guards and could result in it being used eral to allow thorough and complete The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
in a politically abusive manner. investigations. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin-
Madam Speaker, I support the goals Madam Speaker, multiple IGs have ished business is the question on the
behind these provisions, as well as the reported that Trump administration adoption of amendments en bloc, print-
other seven titles of the bill, which officials, including Jeff Sessions, have ed in part A of House Report 117–74, on
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H3288 CORRECTION CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2021
which further proceedings were post- NAYS—184 Jacobs (NY) Lowenthal Sewell (DelBene)
(Garbarino) (Beyer) Steube
poned and on which the yeas and nays Aderholt Gimenez Mooney
Johnson (TX) McClain (Franklin, C.
Allen Gonzales, Tony Moore (UT)
were ordered. Amodei Gonzalez (OH) (Jeffries) (Bergman) Scott)
Mullin Strickland
Kind (Connolly) Meng (Jeffries)
The Clerk will redesignate the Armstrong Gooden (TX) Murphy (NC)
Kirkpatrick Mullin (Lucas) (DelBene)
Babin Gosar Nehls
amendments en bloc. Bacon Granger (Stanton) Napolitano Timmons
Newhouse (Wilson (SC))
Baird Graves (LA) Lawson (FL) (Correa)
The Clerk redesignated the amend- Nunes
(Evans) Owens (Curtis)
Torres (NY)
Balderson Graves (MO) Obernolte (Jeffries)
ments en bloc. Barr Green (TN) Owens Leger Fernandez Payne (Pallone)
Wilson (FL)
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bentz Greene (GA) Palazzo (Jacobs (CA)) Ruiz (Aguilar)
(Hayes)
Bergman Griffith Palmer Lieu (Beyer) Rush Young (Joyce
question is on the amendments en bloc Bice (OK) Grothman Pence (Underwood) (OH))
offered by the gentlewoman from New Biggs Guthrie Perry
Bilirakis Hagedorn (By unanimous consent, Ms.
York (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY). Bishop (NC) Harris
Posey
Boebert Harshbarger
Reed WASSERMAN SCHULTZ was allowed
The vote was taken by electronic de- Reschenthaler
Bost Hartzler Rice (SC)
to speak out of order.)
vice, and there were—yeas 219, nays Brady Hern Rodgers (WA) MOMENT OF SILENCE IN REMEMBRANCE OF VIC-
184, not voting 27, as follows: Brooks Herrera Beutler Rogers (AL) TIMS OF THE CHAMPLAIN TOWERS COLLAPSE
Buchanan Hill Rogers (KY)
[Roll No. 193] Buck Hinson IN SURFSIDE, FLORIDA
Rosendale
YEAS—219
Bucshon Hollingsworth
Rouzer Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ.
Budd Hudson
Burchett Huizenga
Rutherford Madam Speaker, I rise today with a
Adams Gomez Ocasio-Cortez Salazar
Aguilar Gonzalez, Omar Burgess Jacobs (NY) grieving but hopeful heart in the wake
Scalise
Allred Vicente Pallone Calvert Johnson (OH)
Schweikert
of an unimaginable tragedy in Surfside,
Auchincloss Gottheimer Panetta Cammack Johnson (SD) Florida.
Scott, Austin
Axne Green, Al (TX) Pappas Carl Jordan
Sessions As we gather, our world-renowned
Barragán Grijalva Pascrell Carter (TX) Joyce (OH)
Simpson
Bass Harder (CA) Payne Cawthorn Joyce (PA)
Smith (MO)
Miami Dade search and rescue teams
Beatty Hayes Perlmutter Chabot Katko are joined by teams from as far away
Cheney Keller Smith (NE)
Bera Higgins (NY) Peters
Beyer Himes Cline Kelly (MS) Smith (NJ) as Israel and Mexico to search for po-
Phillips Smucker
Bishop (GA) Horsford Pingree Clyde Kelly (PA) tential survivors of Champlain Towers
Spartz
Blumenauer Houlahan Pocan Cole Kim (CA)
Stauber
South in Surfside.
Blunt Rochester Hoyer Porter Comer Kustoff
Crawford LaHood Steel Since that unprecedented collapse,
Bonamici Huffman Pressley
Bourdeaux Jackson Lee Price (NC) Crenshaw LaMalfa Stefanik first responders, medical personnel, en-
Steil
Bowman Jacobs (CA) Quigley Curtis Lamborn
Steube
gineers, grief counselors, and case-
Boyle, Brendan Jayapal Raskin Davidson Latta workers have painstakingly worked
Davis, Rodney LaTurner Stewart
F. Jeffries Rice (NY)
Brown Johnson (GA) DesJarlais Lesko Taylor nonstop to assist in the search and res-
Ross Tenney
Brownley Johnson (TX) Roybal-Allard Diaz-Balart Letlow cue, providing support to the families
Donalds Loudermilk Thompson (PA)
Bush Jones Ruiz Timmons
and to begin an investigation.
Bustos Kahele Duncan Lucas
Ruppersberger Turner For those still trapped, we hold out
Butterfield Kaptur Dunn Luetkemeyer
Rush
Carbajal Keating Ryan
Emmer Mace Upton hope for the search to discover sur-
Estes Malliotakis Valadao
Cárdenas Kelly (IL) Sánchez Van Drew
vivors. For all those who lost loved
Carson Khanna Fallon Mann
Sarbanes
Feenstra Massie Van Duyne ones, we send our deepest condolences
Carter (LA) Kildee Scanlon
Cartwright Kilmer Ferguson Mast Wagner and pledge support and solidarity.
Schakowsky Walberg
Case Kim (NJ) Fischbach McCarthy So many in our community fled na-
Schiff Walorski
Casten Kind Fitzgerald McCaul
Schneider
Fleischmann McClain Waltz tions where they faced danger. That
Castor (FL) Kinzinger
Schrader Fortenberry McClintock Webster (FL) makes this tragedy all the more pain-
Castro (TX) Kirkpatrick
Schrier
Chu Krishnamoorthi
Scott (VA)
Foxx McHenry Wenstrup ful. But we are resilient. We will be
Cicilline Kuster Franklin, C. McKinley Westerman
Scott, David there every step of the way for the
Clark (MA) Lamb Scott Meijer Wilson (SC)
Clarke (NY) Langevin
Sewell Gaetz Meuser Wittman families of those missing in the rubble.
Sherman Garbarino Miller (WV) Womack But we know we cannot do this alone.
Cleaver Larsen (WA)
Sherrill Garcia (CA) Miller-Meeks Young
Clyburn Larson (CT)
Sires I thank the Biden administration for
Cohen Lawrence Gibbs Moolenaar Zeldin
Connolly Lawson (FL)
Slotkin the speedy delivery of Federal re-
Cooper Lee (CA)
Smith (WA) NOT VOTING—27 sources, and Mayors Daniella Levine
Soto
Correa Lee (NV)
Spanberger
Arrington Guest Miller (IL) Cava and Charles Burkett for their
Costa Leger Fernandez Banks Herrell Moore (AL) steadfast leadership in this truly un-
Courtney Levin (CA) Speier Carter (GA) Hice (GA) Norman
Craig Levin (MI) Stansbury Cloud Higgins (LA) Pfluger precedented crisis.
Crow Lieu Stanton Crist Issa Rose And our deepest thanks for the re-
Cuellar Lofgren Stevens Fulcher Jackson Roy
Strickland markable, relentless first responders
Davids (KS) Lowenthal Gallagher Johnson (LA) Tiffany
Davis, Danny K. Luria Suozzi Gohmert Long Weber (TX) who are still on that pile, searching
Dean Lynch Swalwell Good (VA) Meeks Williams (TX) around the clock in the hope of finding
Takano
DeFazio Malinowski even one survivor.
DeGette Maloney, Thompson (CA) b 1814 Madam Speaker, the agony that
DeLauro Carolyn B. Thompson (MS)
DelBene Maloney, Sean Titus Messrs. FEENSTRA, COLE, and these families are going through is be-
Delgado Manning Tlaib SMITH of New Jersey changed their yond comprehension. So on behalf of
Demings Matsui Tonko
Torres (CA)
vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ the missing, those who perished, and
DeSaulnier McBath
Deutch McCollum Torres (NY) So the en bloc amendments were their families, I ask that the House
Dingell McEachin Trahan agreed to. please rise and pause for a moment of
Doggett McGovern Trone The result of the vote was announced silence in memory and in honor of
Doyle, Michael McNerney Underwood
Vargas
as above recorded. those who have been struggling
F. Meng
sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE
Escobar Mfume Veasey A motion to reconsider was laid on through this Surfside tragedy and cri-
Eshoo Moore (WI) Vela the table. sis.
Espaillat Morelle Velázquez
Evans Moulton Wasserman
MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE The SPEAKER. The Chair would ask
Schultz RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS all Members to rise for a moment of si-
Fitzpatrick Mrvan
Fletcher Murphy (FL) Waters Babin (Nehls) Clark (MA) Garcia (TX) lence in remembrance of the victims of
Foster Nadler Watson Coleman Boebert (Gosar) (Kuster) (Jeffries) the collapse of the Champlain Towers
Frankel, Lois Napolitano Welch Bourdeaux Cohen (Beyer) Grijalva
Gallego Neal Wexton (Kuster) Fallon (Nehls) (Stanton) building in Surfside, Florida.
Garamendi Neguse Wild Cárdenas Gallego (Gomez) Horsford AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MR. COMER
Garcı́a (IL) Newman Williams (GA) (Gomez) Garcı́a (IL) (Jeffries)
Garcia (TX) Norcross Wilson (FL) Carl (Joyce (PA)) Jackson Lee The SPEAKER. Pursuant to clause 8
(Gomez)
Golden O’Halleran Yarmuth Cawthorn (Nehls) (Butterfield) of rule XX, the unfinished business is
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June 29, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE CORRECTION H3289
the question on amendment No. 4, Costa Kilmer Pressley MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE
Courtney Kim (NJ) Price (NC) RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS
printed in part A of House Report 117– Craig Kind Quigley
74, on which further proceedings were Crist Kirkpatrick Raskin Babin (Nehls) Jackson Lee Napolitano
postponed and on which the yeas and Crow Krishnamoorthi Rice (NY) Boebert (Gosar) (Butterfield) (Correa)
Cuellar Kuster Ross Bourdeaux Jacobs (NY) Owens (Curtis)
nays were ordered. (Kuster) (Garbarino) Payne (Pallone)
Davids (KS) Lamb Roybal-Allard
The Clerk will redesignate the Davis, Danny K. Langevin Ruiz Cárdenas Johnson (TX) Ruiz (Aguilar)
amendment. Dean Larsen (WA) Ruppersberger (Gomez) (Jeffries) Rush
DeFazio Larson (CT) Rush Carl (Joyce (PA)) Kind (Connolly) (Underwood)
The Clerk redesignated the amend- Cawthorn (Nehls) Sewell (DelBene)
DeGette Lawrence Ryan Kirkpatrick
ment. DeLauro Lawson (FL) Sánchez Clark (MA) Steube
(Stanton)
The SPEAKER. The question is on DelBene Lee (CA) Sarbanes (Kuster)
Lawson (FL)
(Franklin, C.
the amendment offered by the gen- Delgado Lee (NV) Scanlon Cohen (Beyer) Scott)
(Evans)
Demings Leger Fernandez Schakowsky Fallon (Nehls) Strickland
tleman from Kentucky (Mr. COMER). Gallego (Gomez) Leger Fernandez (DelBene)
DeSaulnier Levin (CA) Schiff (Jacobs (CA))
The vote was taken by electronic de- Deutch Levin (MI) Schneider Garcı́a (IL) Timmons
(Gomez) Lieu (Beyer) (Wilson (SC))
vice, and there were—yeas 182, nays Dingell Lieu Schrader
Lowenthal
Doggett Lofgren Schrier Garcia (TX) Torres (NY)
220, not voting 28, as follows: (Jeffries) (Beyer) (Jeffries)
Doyle, Michael Lowenthal Scott (VA)
[Roll No. 194] Grijalva McClain Wilson (FL)
F. Luria Scott, David
Escobar Lynch Sewell (Stanton) (Bergman) (Hayes)
YEAS—182
Eshoo Malinowski Sherman Horsford Meng (Jeffries) Young (Joyce
Aderholt Gonzales, Tony Mooney (Jeffries) Mullin (Lucas) (OH))
Espaillat Maloney, Sherrill
Allen Gonzalez (OH) Moore (UT) Evans Carolyn B. Sires The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms.
Amodei Gooden (TX) Mullin Fitzpatrick Maloney, Sean Slotkin
Armstrong Gosar Murphy (NC) Fletcher Manning Smith (WA) MOORE of Wisconsin). The previous
Babin Granger Nehls question is ordered on the bill, as
Foster Matsui Soto
Bacon Graves (MO) Newhouse Frankel, Lois McBath Spanberger amended.
Baird Green (TN) Nunes Gallego McCollum Speier
Balderson Greene (GA) Obernolte Garamendi McEachin Stansbury
The question is on the engrossment
Barr Griffith Owens and third reading of the bill.
Garcı́a (IL) McGovern Stanton
Bentz Grothman Palazzo
Bergman Guthrie Palmer
Garcia (TX) McNerney Stevens The bill was ordered to be engrossed
Golden Meeks Strickland and read a third time, and was read the
Bice (OK) Hagedorn Pence Gomez Meng Suozzi
Biggs Harris Perry Gonzalez, Mfume Swalwell third time.
Bilirakis Harshbarger Posey The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
Vicente Moore (WI) Takano
Bishop (NC) Hartzler Reed Gottheimer Morelle Thompson (CA) question is on passage of the bill.
Boebert Hern Reschenthaler Green, Al (TX) Moulton Thompson (MS)
Bost Herrera Beutler Rice (SC) Grijalva Mrvan Titus
The question was taken; and the
Brady Hill Rodgers (WA) Speaker pro tempore announced that
Harder (CA) Murphy (FL) Tlaib
Brooks Hinson Rogers (AL)
Buchanan Hollingsworth Rogers (KY)
Hayes Nadler Tonko the ayes appeared to have it.
Higgins (NY) Napolitano Torres (CA) Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, on
Bucshon Hudson Rosendale Himes Neal Torres (NY)
Budd Huizenga Rouzer Horsford Neguse Trahan that I demand the yeas and nays.
Burchett Jacobs (NY) Rutherford The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
Houlahan Newman Trone
Burgess Johnson (OH) Salazar Hoyer Norcross Underwood ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
Calvert Johnson (SD) Scalise Huffman O’Halleran Vargas
Cammack Jordan Schweikert Jackson Lee Ocasio-Cortez Veasey
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Carl Joyce (OH) Scott, Austin The vote was taken by electronic de-
Jacobs (CA) Omar Vela
Carter (TX) Joyce (PA) Sessions
Cawthorn Katko Simpson
Jayapal Pallone Velázquez vice, and there were—yeas 221, nays
Jeffries Panetta Wasserman 182, not voting 27, as follows:
Chabot Keller Smith (MO) Johnson (GA) Pappas Schultz
Cheney Kelly (MS) Smith (NE) [Roll No. 195]
Johnson (TX) Pascrell Waters
Cline Kelly (PA) Smith (NJ) Jones Payne Watson Coleman YEAS—221
Clyde Kim (CA) Smucker Kahele Perlmutter Welch
Cole Kinzinger Spartz Adams Craig Huffman
Kaptur Peters Wexton
Comer Kustoff Stauber Aguilar Crist Jackson Lee
Keating Phillips Wild
Crawford LaHood Steel Allred Crow Jacobs (CA)
Kelly (IL) Pingree Williams (GA)
Crenshaw LaMalfa Stefanik Auchincloss Cuellar Jayapal
Khanna Pocan Wilson (FL)
Curtis Lamborn Steil Axne Davids (KS) Jeffries
Kildee Porter Yarmuth
Davidson Latta Steube Barragán Davis, Danny K. Johnson (GA)
Davis, Rodney LaTurner Stewart Bass Dean Johnson (TX)
NOT VOTING—28
DesJarlais Lesko Taylor Beatty DeFazio Jones
Diaz-Balart Letlow Tenney Arrington Graves (LA) Moore (AL) Bera DeGette Kahele
Donalds Loudermilk Thompson (PA) Banks Guest Norman Beyer DeLauro Kaptur
Duncan Lucas Timmons Buck Herrell Pfluger Bishop (GA) DelBene Katko
Dunn Luetkemeyer Turner Carter (GA) Hice (GA) Rose Blumenauer Delgado Keating
Emmer Mace Upton Cloud Higgins (LA) Roy Blunt Rochester Demings Kelly (IL)
Estes Malliotakis Valadao Fulcher Issa Tiffany Bonamici DeSaulnier Khanna
Fallon Mann Van Drew Gallagher Jackson Weber (TX) Bourdeaux Deutch Kildee
Feenstra Massie Van Duyne Garbarino Johnson (LA) Williams (TX) Bowman Dingell Kilmer
Ferguson Mast Wagner Gohmert Long Boyle, Brendan Doyle, Michael Kim (NJ)
Fischbach McCarthy Walberg Good (VA) Miller (IL) F. F. Kind
Fitzgerald McCaul Walorski Brown Escobar Kirkpatrick
Fleischmann McClain Waltz Brownley Eshoo Krishnamoorthi
Fortenberry McClintock Webster (FL) b 1840 Bush Espaillat Kuster
Foxx McHenry Wenstrup Bustos Evans Lamb
Franklin, C. McKinley Westerman Mr. VEASEY, Ms. WATERS, Mr. Butterfield Fitzpatrick Langevin
Scott Meijer Wilson (SC) CLEAVER, Ms. BASS, Messrs. COHEN, Carbajal Fletcher Larsen (WA)
Gaetz Meuser Wittman Cárdenas Foster Larson (CT)
Garcia (CA) Miller (WV) Womack
LIEU, and LOWENTHAL changed their
Carson Frankel, Lois Lawrence
Gibbs Miller-Meeks Young vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Carter (LA) Gallego Lawson (FL)
Gimenez Moolenaar Zeldin Mrs. GREENE of Georgia and Mr. Cartwright Garamendi Lee (CA)
Case Garcı́a (IL) Lee (NV)
NAYS—220 CARL changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ Casten Garcia (TX) Leger Fernandez
Adams Bourdeaux Case to ‘‘yea.’’ Castor (FL) Golden Levin (CA)
sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE
Aguilar Bowman Casten So the amendment was rejected. Castro (TX) Gomez Levin (MI)
Allred Boyle, Brendan Castor (FL) Chu Gonzalez, Lieu
Auchincloss F. Castro (TX) The result of the vote was announced Cicilline Vicente Lofgren
Axne Brown Chu as above recorded. Clark (MA) Gottheimer Lowenthal
Barragán Brownley Cicilline Clarke (NY) Green, Al (TX) Luria
Bass Bush Clark (MA) A motion to reconsider was laid on Cleaver Grijalva Lynch
Beatty Bustos Clarke (NY) the table. Clyburn Harder (CA) Malinowski
Bera Butterfield Cleaver Cohen Hayes Maloney,
Beyer Carbajal Clyburn Stated for: Connolly Higgins (NY) Carolyn B.
Bishop (GA) Cárdenas Cohen Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, Cooper Himes Maloney, Sean
Blumenauer Carson Connolly Correa Horsford Manning
Blunt Rochester Carter (LA) Cooper had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ Costa Houlahan Matsui
Bonamici Cartwright Correa on rollcall No. 194. Courtney Hoyer McBath
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H3290 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2021
McCollum Pressley Stanton Fulcher Higgins (LA) Pfluger Connolly Kahele Price (NC)
McEachin Price (NC) Stevens Gallagher Issa Rose Cooper Kaptur Quigley
McGovern Quigley Strickland Gohmert Jackson Roy Correa Katko Raskin
McNerney Raskin Suozzi Good (VA) Johnson (LA) Tiffany Costa Keating Reed
Meeks Reed Swalwell Guest Long Walberg Courtney Kelly (IL) Reschenthaler
Meng Rice (NY) Takano Herrell Miller (IL) Weber (TX) Craig Kelly (PA) Rice (NY)
Mfume Ross Thompson (CA) Hice (GA) Moore (AL) Williams (TX) Crenshaw Khanna Rodgers (WA)
Moore (WI) Roybal-Allard Thompson (MS) Crist Kildee Ross
Morelle Ruiz
Titus b 1902 Crow Kilmer Roybal-Allard
Moulton Ruppersberger Cuellar Kim (CA) Ruiz
Tlaib
Mrvan Rush So the bill was passed. Davids (KS) Kim (NJ) Ruppersberger
Murphy (FL) Ryan Tonko
The result of the vote was announced Davidson Kind Rush
Nadler Sánchez Torres (CA) Davis, Danny K. Kinzinger
as above recorded. Ryan
Napolitano Sarbanes Torres (NY) Davis, Rodney Kirkpatrick Sarbanes
Neal Scanlon Trahan A motion to reconsider was laid on Dean Krishnamoorthi Scalise
Neguse Schakowsky Trone the table. DeFazio Kuster Scanlon
Newman Schiff Underwood DeGette Lamb Schakowsky
Vargas MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE
Norcross Schneider DeLauro Langevin Schiff
O’Halleran Schrader Veasey RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS DelBene Larsen (WA) Schneider
Ocasio-Cortez Schrier Vela Babin (Nehls) Jackson Lee Norman (Wilson Delgado Larson (CT) Schrader
Omar Scott (VA) Velázquez Boebert (Gosar) (Butterfield) (SC)) Demings Latta Schrier
Pallone Scott, David Wasserman Bourdeaux Jacobs (NY) Owens (Curtis) DeSaulnier Lawrence Schweikert
Panetta Sewell Schultz (Kuster) (Garbarino) Payne (Pallone) Deutch Lawson (FL) Scott (VA)
Pappas Sherman Waters Cárdenas Johnson (TX) Ruiz (Aguilar) Diaz-Balart Lee (CA) Scott, David
Pascrell Sherrill Watson Coleman (Gomez) (Jeffries) Rush Dingell Lee (NV) Sewell
Payne Sires Welch Carl (Joyce (PA)) Kind (Connolly) (Underwood) Doggett Leger Fernandez Sherman
Perlmutter Slotkin Kirkpatrick Doyle, Michael Levin (CA) Sherrill
Wexton Cawthorn (Nehls) Sewell (DelBene)
Peters Smith (WA) (Stanton) F. Levin (MI) Simpson
Wild Clark (MA) Steube
Phillips Soto Lawson (FL) Emmer Lieu Sires
Williams (GA) (Kuster) (Franklin, C.
Pingree Spanberger (Evans) Escobar Lofgren Slotkin
Pocan Speier Wilson (FL) Cohen (Beyer) Scott) Eshoo Lowenthal
Leger Fernandez Smith (NJ)
Porter Stansbury Yarmuth Fallon (Nehls) Strickland Espaillat Luria
(Jacobs (CA)) Smith (WA)
Gallego (Gomez) Lieu (Beyer) (DelBene) Evans Lynch
Garcı́a (IL) Timmons Smucker
NAYS—182 Lowenthal Fitzpatrick Mace
(Gomez) (Wilson (SC)) Soto
Aderholt Gimenez Moolenaar (Beyer) Fletcher Malinowski
Garcia (TX) Torres (NY) Spanberger
Allen Gonzales, Tony Mooney McClain Fortenberry Malliotakis
(Jeffries) (Jeffries) Spartz
Amodei Gonzalez (OH) Moore (UT) (Bergman) Foster Maloney,
Speier
Armstrong Gooden (TX) Mullin Grijalva Meng (Jeffries) Wilson (FL) Foxx Carolyn B.
Stansbury
Babin Gosar Murphy (NC) (Stanton) Mullin (Lucas) (Hayes) Frankel, Lois Manning
Stanton
Bacon Granger Nehls Horsford Napolitano Young (Joyce Gallego Matsui
Stauber
Baird Graves (LA) Newhouse (Jeffries) (Correa) (OH)) Garamendi McBath
Garbarino McCarthy Steil
Balderson Graves (MO) Norman Stevens
Barr Green (TN) Nunes f Garcia (CA) McCaul
Garcı́a (IL) McCollum Stewart
Bentz Greene (GA) Obernolte Strickland
Bergman Griffith Owens REPLACEMENT OF BUST OF Garcia (TX) McEachin
Gibbs McGovern Suozzi
Bice (OK) Grothman Palazzo ROGER BROOKE TANEY WITH Swalwell
Biggs Guthrie Palmer Gimenez McNerney
Bilirakis Hagedorn Pence
BUST OF THURGOOD MARSHALL Golden Meeks Takano
Gomez Meijer Taylor
Bishop (NC) Harris Perry The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Thompson (CA)
Boebert Harshbarger Posey Gonzales, Tony Meng
Bost Hartzler Reschenthaler
ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin- Gonzalez (OH) Mfume Thompson (MS)
ished business is the vote on passage of Gonzalez, Moolenaar Titus
Brady Hern Rice (SC) Tlaib
Brooks Herrera Beutler Rodgers (WA) the bill (H.R. 3005) to direct the Joint Vicente Moore (UT)
Gottheimer Moore (WI) Tonko
Buchanan Hill Rogers (AL) Committee on the Library to replace Torres (CA)
Buck Hinson Rogers (KY) Green, Al (TX) Morelle
the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Grijalva Moulton Torres (NY)
Bucshon Hollingsworth Rosendale
Guthrie Mrvan Trahan
Budd Hudson Rouzer Old Supreme Court Chamber of the Trone
Burchett Huizenga Rutherford Harder (CA) Murphy (FL)
United States Capitol with a bust of Hayes Murphy (NC) Underwood
Burgess Jacobs (NY) Salazar
Calvert Johnson (OH) Scalise
Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by Herrera Beutler Nadler Upton
the Joint Committee on the Library Higgins (NY) Napolitano Valadao
Cammack Johnson (SD) Schweikert
Hill Neal Van Drew
Carl Jordan Scott, Austin and to remove certain statues from Vargas
Carter (TX) Joyce (OH) Sessions Himes Neguse
areas of the United States Capitol Hinson Newman Veasey
Cawthorn Joyce (PA) Simpson
Chabot Keller Smith (MO) which are accessible to the public, to Hollingsworth Norcross Vela
remove all statues of individuals who Horsford O’Halleran Velázquez
Cheney Kelly (MS) Smith (NE)
Cline Kelly (PA) Houlahan Ocasio-Cortez Wagner
Smith (NJ) voluntarily served the Confederate
Clyde Kim (CA) Smucker Hoyer Omar Walberg
Cole Kinzinger Spartz
States of America from display in the Hudson Pallone Wasserman
Comer Kustoff Stauber United States Capitol, and for other Huffman Panetta Schultz
Huizenga Pappas Waters
Crawford LaHood Steel purposes, on which the yeas and nays Watson Coleman
Crenshaw LaMalfa Stefanik Jackson Lee Pascrell
were ordered. Jacobs (CA) Payne Webster (FL)
Curtis Lamborn Steil
Davidson Latta Steube The Clerk read the title of the bill. Jacobs (NY) Pelosi Welch
Davis, Rodney LaTurner Stewart The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Jayapal Perlmutter Wenstrup
Diaz-Balart Lesko Taylor Jeffries Peters Wexton
question is on the passage of the bill. Johnson (GA) Phillips Wild
Donalds Letlow Tenney
Duncan Loudermilk Thompson (PA)
The vote was taken by electronic de- Johnson (OH) Pingree Williams (GA)
Dunn Lucas Timmons vice, and there were—yeas 285, nays Johnson (TX) Pocan Wilson (FL)
Emmer Luetkemeyer Turner 120, not voting 26, as follows: Jones Porter Yarmuth
Estes Mace Upton Joyce (OH) Pressley Young
[Roll No. 196]
Fallon Malliotakis Valadao NAYS—120
Feenstra Mann Van Drew YEAS—285
Ferguson Massie Van Duyne Aderholt Bucshon Dunn
Adams Blumenauer Carson Allen
Fischbach Mast Wagner Budd Estes
Aguilar Blunt Rochester Carter (LA) Armstrong
Fitzgerald McCarthy Walorski Burchett Fallon
Allred Bonamici Cartwright Babin
Fleischmann McCaul Waltz Cammack Feenstra
Amodei Bourdeaux Case Baird
Fortenberry McClain Webster (FL) Carl Ferguson
Auchincloss Bowman Casten Barr
Foxx McClintock Wenstrup Carter (TX) Fischbach
Axne Boyle, Brendan Castor (FL) Bergman
Franklin, C. McHenry Westerman Cawthorn Fitzgerald
Bacon F. Castro (TX) Bice (OK)
Scott McKinley Wilson (SC) Cline Fleischmann
Balderson Brown Chabot Biggs
Gaetz Meijer Wittman Clyde Franklin, C.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
Barragán Brownley Cheney Bishop (NC)
Garbarino Meuser Womack Cole Scott
Bass Burgess Chu Boebert
Garcia (CA) Miller (WV) Young Comer Gaetz
Beatty Bush Cicilline Bost
Gibbs Miller-Meeks Zeldin Crawford Gooden (TX)
Bentz Bustos Clark (MA) Brady Curtis Gosar
Bera Butterfield Clarke (NY) Brooks
NOT VOTING—27 DesJarlais Granger
Beyer Calvert Cleaver Buchanan Donalds Graves (LA)
Arrington Carter (GA) DesJarlais Bilirakis Carbajal Clyburn Buck Duncan Graves (MO)
Banks Cloud Doggett Bishop (GA) Cárdenas Cohen
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