On the recordMay 29, 2014
I would like to engage in a colloquy with the chairman. As the gentleman from Virginia is aware, I have serious concerns about the nonresponsiveness of certain Federal officials to legitimate congressional oversight activities. In some of these situations, there have been actions taken by the House to hold these officials in contempt of Congress. As the gentleman is aware, I was considering offering an amendment to this bill that would simply prohibit funding for any Federal employee who has been found in contempt of Congress. It is my firm belief that the American people should not be footing the bill for Federal employees who stonewall Congress or rewarding government officials' bad behavior. If the average American failed to do his or her job, she would hardly be rewarded. However, based on conversations I have had with the chairman and other Members, I do not plan to offer such an amendment to the bill, with the understanding that the chairman and the committee will continue to work with me to assure that this matter is considered in an appropriate bill. I would like to ask the gentleman if he would commit to working with me to find a satisfactory vehicle for addressing the issue of compensation for public officials found in contempt of Congress.
