Lauren Underwood: “I appreciate the temptation to take congressional action against government individuals when we hear they have done…”

“I appreciate the temptation to take congressional action against government individuals when we hear they have done something that we find offensive, but as lawmakers, it is important that we defend the core principles upon which our country is founded, and that includes a system of checks and balances. We know from the Secretary's testimony earlier this year that there is an active investigation related to Nejwa Ali, a Trump-era hire, and that she has been placed on leave and is not performing the duties and responsibilities for which she was hired. We must allow this process to work. Ironically, the bill we are considering today would cut important departmental resources that are meant to strengthen its personnel security vetting policies and procedures, such as a cut of nearly $14 million to the Office of the Chief Security Officer. It is a shame that, throughout this process, my majority colleagues continue to criticize the Department for not doing its job while at the same time they propose cutting the resources the Department needs to address the very concerns that they continue to raise. In addition, I would be remiss if I didn't point out that this amendment also raises constitutional issues. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 1500 The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Amodei). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 57 Offered by Mr.…”