With Democrats set to take the House majority in January, White House Counsel William Scharf warned that some coercive oversight tactics could cross into criminal conduct, drawing a rebuttal from Rep. Robert Garcia.
Scharf’s letter, dated Nov. 9, argued that congressional inquiries should connect to lawmakers’ legislative work. He accused Democrats of planning investigations to harass administration officials and cautioned that certain methods could become criminal. The Associated Press reported that Punchbowl News first disclosed the letter.
Garcia, the House Oversight Committee’s top Democrat and expected next chairman, responded in a statement Wednesday, Nov. 11. “Congress’ authority comes from Article I of the Constitution, not from the permission of the White House,” he said in a statement released by House Oversight Democrats. EconoTimes previously covered Garcia’s plans to investigate Trump and his administration.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer told The Associated Press he had not read the letter. He said the committee should scrutinize the executive branch regardless of which party holds the White House, and that members could rein in Garcia if they thought he went too far. Democrats are set to take control of the House when the new Congress convenes in January.
