House Passes Rep. Issa Bill To Require Compliance With Congressional Subpoenas

Statement

The House of Representatives today passed legislation introduced by Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Vista) to increase Congress' ability to conduct effective oversight of the federal government. His bill -- the Congressional Compliance and Enforcement Act (H.R. 4010) -- bolsters Congressional authority to enforce subpoenas issued by its Committees and Subcommittees in the course of their investigations.

"We have a responsibility hold government accountable because the people have a right to know what they get from their government and because they deserve an efficient, effective government that works for them," said Congressman Darrell Issa. "During my time as Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, I saw time and time again the lengths some would go to avoid transparency or to avoid turning over the documents or materials that our committee was entitled to. The subpoena compliance legislation approved today is a long-overdue update that will strengthen our ability to hold government and its leaders accountable to the people they represent."

In cases where there is lack of compliance with a duly issued Congressional subpoena, the bill would allow a committee to seek expedited court review by a three-judge panel of the district court in order to obtain enforcement, and would give committees the ability to petition for direct appeal to the Supreme Court. Moreover, the bill would statutorily require recipients to comply with congressional subpoenas and would require subpoena recipients to provide a congressional committee with a privilege log if they assert a legal privilege as a reason for withholding subpoenaed materials.

Source