Ranking Member Johnson Response to the Chairman’s Subpoena Threat
(Washington, DC) – Today, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) released the following statement in response to the Chairman’s latest letters in which he “ramps up” his investigation into state attorneys general and environmental groups related to potential fraud investigations into the fossil fuel industry regarding climate change.
“I am disappointed to see that the Chairman is continuing his illegitimate ‘investigation’ into state attorneys general and environmental groups. The Chairman’s latest letter, where he threatens the use of compulsory process, furthers his abuse of power and his harassment of these AGs and groups. As I said in my June 23 letter on this matter, ‘In a Congress in which the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s oversight powers have been repeatedly abused, this latest action stands apart. In addition to mischaracterizing innumerable facts, laws, and legal precedents surrounding this situation, the May 18 and June 17 letters have now led the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology to the precipice of a Constitutional crisis. Never in the history of this formerly esteemed Committee has oversight been carried out with such open disregard for truth, fairness, and the rule of law.’ Given the Majority’s headlong rush to violate the First Amendment rights of private organizations and Tenth Amendment state sovereignty, it makes me wonder if they are aware of any amendment to the Constitution other than the Second.
“That said, if the Chairman really believes in the merits of his arguments, he needs to follow a transparent process. Instead of unilaterally issuing subpoenas in the dead of night, he needs to convene a meeting of the Full Committee to consider the issuance of subpoenas, so that all Members can be on record regarding the constitutional issues involved. Committee Members should not be disenfranchised from voting on a matter with such serious consequences for the future of this Committee and the nation.”
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- Ranking Member Johnson Statement on Majority Letters to State Attorneys General and Environmental Groups State Attorneys General, Environmental Groups, and Democratic Members Respond to Majority’s Latest Attack on Climate Science
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