James Comer: “My amendment makes minor enhancements to this important piece of legislation that were brought to our attention after…”

“My amendment makes minor enhancements to this important piece of legislation that were brought to our attention after our markup. First, this amendment makes a few technical drafting edits. Second, this amendment clarifies the enforcement section of this legislation with the conforming edit to ensure that the U.S. Office of Special Counsel has the specific authority necessary to carry out the enforcement provisions this legislation establishes for senior government officials. With this technical change to the special counsel's enforcement capabilities, we are ensuring that the real penalties we have introduced for senior officials can be carried out. We must ensure that senior officials will not escape accountability when they engage in government censorship prohibited by H.R. 140. This will help deter government employees. Further, this amendment clarifies that the OSC can enforce a civil monetary fine of up to $10,000 against senior officials, as clearly intended by the text we reported out of committee. Mr. Chair, I ask for my colleagues' full support of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.”