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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDemocrats call for probe into State Department watchdog's ouster
Democratic lawmakers say they are planning to look into the ouster of the State Department's inspector general on Friday, the latest federal watchdog to be removed by the Trump administration.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) blasted the decision to remove inspector general Steve Linick, asserting it was an "outrageous" attempt by President Trump to shield Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from scrutiny.
"I have learned that the Office of the Inspector General had opened an investigation into Secretary Pompeo. Mr. Linick's firing amid such a probe strongly suggests that this is an unlawful act of retaliation," Engel said in a statement.
"This President believes he is above the law. As he systematically removes the official independent watchdogs from the Executive Branch, the work of the Committee on Foreign Affairs becomes that much more critical. In the days ahead, I will be looking into this matter in greater detail, and I will press the State Department for answers," he added.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/democrats-call-for-probe-into-state-department-watchdogs-ouster/ar-BB14auEl?li=BBnb7Kz
Stuart G
(38,453 posts)rso
(2,273 posts)The House needs to start using their inherent contempt authority in spite of the fact that it has not been used in 90 years. That authority is still in the law, and SCOTUS has upheld it in the past.
Maraya1969
(22,507 posts)Inherent contempt refers to the Houses authority to compel testimony under penalties of arrest and detention without going through DOJ, which of course would not cooperate. The House Sargeant at Arms and/or the Capitol Police can be ordered by the Speaker to arrest and detain anyone who ignores a House subpoena. Democrats have been unwilling to use this extreme but legal measure up to now, but its now time to do so.