Pelosi Elevates Jackie Speier to Watchdog Committee

From the Office of Congresswoman Jackie Speier

July 9, 2008

Washington, DC – Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced Wednesday that Peninsula Congresswoman Jackie Speier will join the House of Representative’s top watchdog and investigative body. “Congresswoman Jackie Speier will draw on her wealth of experience as a powerful voice and a tireless advocate for her constituents and the American people as the newest member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee,” Speaker Pelosi said.

Led by outspoken Chairman Henry Waxman of Los Angeles, the committee has jurisdiction to investigate any federal program and any matter with federal policy implications. Within the last month, they have examined the White House policy of deleting sensitive e-mails, examined the toxicity of FEMA trailers provided after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, subpoenaed the Attorney General for transcripts of the FBI’s interview with Vice President Cheney about the leak of CIA agent Valerie Plame’s identity, and called for the declassification of documents concerning US military bases in Iraq.

“Since taking charge in 2007, Chairman Waxman has worked diligently to hold the administration, federal contractors, and Congress itself accountable for how it does the people’s business and spends taxpayer’s money,” Rep. Speier said. “I am honored to join his committee and can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and work with Congressman Waxman and the other members to help root out waste, fraud and corruption in the federal government.”

While in the California legislature, Speier chaired the Senate Select Committee on Government Oversight. Under her leadership, the committee uncovered tens of millions of dollars of fraudulent charges within the state prison system, investigated the rampant misuse of state vehicles and encouraged whistleblowers throughout state government to come forward without fear of retribution.

Jackie Speier is also a member of the House Committee on Financial Services. Since it is an “exclusive” committee, its members usually get only one assignment, so the Congresswoman requested a waiver to get an additional appointment. “I’m grateful that Speaker Pelosi has allowed me to serve on this committee. I take all of my responsibilities in Congress very seriously, and while this additional assignment will mean more work and longer hours for me and my staff, I know that we are all up to the task. Throughout my campaign, voters demanded better accountability in government. I am now in a position to help push in that direction.”

FCJ Editor

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