Steve Lynch: “I thank the ranking member for yielding. First of all, I want to say that as the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on…”

“I thank the ranking member for yielding. First of all, I want to say that as the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, I rise in strong support of Mr. Farenthold's measure here, H.R. 2860, the OPM Inspector General Act, legislation that will enhance oversight of the background check process for the issuance of government security clearances. At the outset as well, I would like to thank the subcommittee chairman, Mr. Farenthold, for working in a bipartisan manner to sponsor H.R. 2860. I would also like to thank our full committee chairman, Mr. Issa, and ranking member, Mr. Cummings, the gentleman from Maryland, for their hard work and their leadership on this legislation as well. Recent events involving Edward Snowden and his leaking of classified information and as well Aaron Alexis and the tragic shooting at the Washington Navy Yard have called attention to the need to reexamine and improve the Federal Government's background investigation and security clearance process. H.R. 2860 is a key component of our examinations. This legislation provides the Inspector General of the Office of Personnel Management with the resources that he needs to assist Congress in our review and oversight of a process that is critical within our national security framework. We rely heavily on our Inspectors General. They are at the front lines of investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in government programs.…”