Encouraging news from Congress

 

May 22, 2021

This week, the House voted to approve legislation to create a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol building. While we are encouraged by the passage in the House, we are even more excited by the bipartisan support that the bill received with an overwhelming majority of Democrats and 35 Republicans voting in favor. POGO also urges that the commission be designed similarly to the 9/11 commission in order to ensure objectivity and independence, as well as to encourage the public’s faith in the conclusions.   Some members of Congress have raised that the commission’s work could interfere with the ongoing criminal investigations and legal proceedings involving hundreds of rioters from January 6. As POGO Executive Director, Danielle Brian, testified in 2017, Congress should continue its oversight and investigations on a parallel path that is separate from the Department of Justice. While the DOJ will conduct criminal investigations, Congress must understand the full picture of not only what happened on Jan. 6, but also what led to the riot if we are to prevent such an attack on our democracy from being successful in the future.   We are excited to see Congress moving forward on this issue so that the nation can finally get answers to bigger questions surrounding the circumstances that led to January 6. We will be working hard with the Senate to garner similar bipartisan support so that the commission will have a unified mandate. SAVE YOUR SPOT Town Hall: The Cost of Police Misconduct Act Join us this coming Monday for a panel on the new bill to increase transparency of police misconduct allegations, judgments, and settlements. Featuring opening remarks from the bill's sponsors, Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). RSVP. VIDEO The F-35 in 2 Minutes This multi-billion dollar fighter jet exhibits everything from structural cracks to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. It still can’t shoot straight and is rarely ready to fly. Buckle up: here’s everything you need to know about the F-35 in two minutes. Watch Now TESTIMONY Holding the Oil and Gas Industry Accountable The extractive industries have received billions in direct and indirect federal assistance at the taxpayers’ expense. Read More OP-ED Better Isn't Good Enough on Pentagon's Revolving Door We cannot leave critical anti-corruption reforms to the president alone if we want them to last. Read More on Real Clear Defense LETTER POGO Endorses IG Independence and Empowerment Act We urge Congress to pass the IG Independence and Empowerment Act to ensure federal inspectors general have the independence and authorities necessary to fulfill their missions. Read More QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The office has done a lot of the hard work over the past few years with good intentions … but even when they substantiate allegations, they’re still not holding people accountable for their actions.” Melissa Wasser, Policy Counsel, in Federal News Network OVERHEARD ONE LINERS “Making it easier for whistleblowers to come forward and making it easier for them to prevail and benefit from the protections in law ... would have a huge impact on congressional oversight.” Liz Hempowicz, Director of Public Policy, in Government Executive   “The ethics system, however, requires disclosure and firewalls to ensure that cozy relationships don’t interfere with government business.” Scott Amey, General Counsel and Executive Editorial Director, in the Washington Examiner   “That’s why transparency about [recusals] is also important, so we can be sure that doesn’t happen.” Walt Shaub, Senior Ethics Fellow, in ABC News   “The system is awash in fraud and so ramping up these anti-fraud efforts makes sense. But if they’re not well executed you can end up excluding genuine small businesses who should have access to this money.” Nick Schwellenbach, Senior Investigator, in KPAX   “The question still is, depending on the makeup of this industry, is it a best practice for him to participate, or does it cast an appearance of a conflict of interest?” Scott Amey, General Counsel and Executive Editorial Director, in the Washington Post

The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that investigates and exposes waste, corruption, abuse of power, and when the government fails to serve the public or silences those who report wrongdoing. We champion reforms to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles.  Project On Government Oversight 1100 G Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 United States