Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, wrote to his main antagonist, Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), on Tuesday in an attempt to defend himself against criticism over how he’ll conduct the committee’s affairs.
Cummings, who was chosen to replace former Chairman Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.) as the committee’s top Democrat in the new Congress, had accused Issa in the previous weeks of wanting to hold “absurd” hearings and investigations into the Obama administration. Cummings also blasted Issa for writing a letter to businesses asking them to name new regulations they believe will hurt their ability to create jobs and grow the economy.
This week, Cummings alleged that Issa was planning on issuing subpoenas without first consulting with Democrats on the committee. In a letter to Issa, Cummings cited the “historical practice” of former Chairmen working bilaterally to issue subpoenas.
In a response letter on Tuesday, Issa refuted Cummings’ latest accusation, stating that he has no intention of abandoning the previous committee’s rules with respect to subpoenas.
“Your letter,” Issa wrote, “supposedly paraphrasing me, states that I intend to exercise my authority “more expansively by issuing subpoenas unilaterally.” It adds that I “would not bring any subpoenas before the Committee for a vote.” While I was not always consulted about the issuance of subpoenas as Ranking Member, I have clearly and unambiguously told you that I, as Chairman, am committed to doing so going forward. I have never stated that I would not bring a subpoena before the committee and would, in fact, seriously consider such a request.”
“I am fully committed to sharing documents and records obtained through official requests of the committee with the minority,” Issa added.
On Monday, Issa announced that he would sit next to Towns, not Cummings, during the President’s State of the Union address. Cummings meanwhile, said that he will sit with freshman GOP Rep. Paul Gosar (Ariz.).