All articles tagged with #congressional scrutiny
The U.S. military has been firing on boats from South America over the past three months, killing over 80 people, prompting bipartisan concerns and questions about the legality of these actions, especially after a second missile strike on survivors, raising potential war crime allegations.
Congressional representatives are scrutinizing NASA's recent facility closures and consolidations at Goddard Space Flight Center, demanding an immediate halt to these activities amid concerns they are being prematurely and illegally implemented before congressional approval, potentially damaging NASA's scientific capabilities and equipment.
Lawmakers are scrutinizing WuXi AppTec, a major Chinese company, over potential ties to the Chinese government, which has raised concerns about the U.S. supply chain for key drugs. The company is deeply involved in the development and manufacturing of crucial therapies for cancer, cystic fibrosis, H.I.V., and other illnesses, and its potential disconnection from U.S. pharmaceutical interests has rattled the biotech industry. Despite its significant role in the U.S. medicine chest, the Congressional spotlight on the company has led to discussions about potential national security threats and the impact of severing ties with the company.
The return of Boeing's 737 MAX 9 to the skies is clouded by fears and congressional scrutiny following a recent incident where a door panel blew off a jetliner. While the FAA has issued guidelines for inspections and work required for the plane's return to service, some lawmakers and experts express concerns about rushing the planes back into operation without sufficient assurance of safety. Boeing and the FAA are facing questions about production oversight and quality control, with calls for increased scrutiny and investigations into the manufacturer's practices.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin faced criticism from congressional lawmakers for the delayed disclosure of his hospitalization, with some demanding his resignation. Lawmakers expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and questioned the Defense Department's decision to withhold information about Austin's condition, including his ICU stay, from senior officials and the public. While President Biden expressed support for Austin and did not consider firing him, multiple members of Congress called for accountability and a review of the incident.
The General Services Administration (GSA) defended its selection of Greenbelt as the future home of the FBI during a congressional hearing, while an FBI official expressed doubts about the fairness of the decision. The scrutiny from Congress follows objections from Virginia lawmakers and FBI officials, who claim that the site selection process was tainted by politics and a conflict of interest. The involvement of a former GSA official, Nina Albert, who evaluated the site selection criteria differently from a panel and came to a different conclusion, has raised concerns. The GSA and Maryland lawmakers argue that the allegations are meritless. The decision on the FBI headquarters' location has been a contentious issue between Maryland and Virginia, with both states vying for the economic benefits and prestige associated with hosting the FBI.
Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, has criticized House GOP members, particularly Rep. Jason T. Smith, for their handling of the IRS agent testimony regarding the federal investigation into President Biden's son. Lowell dismissed the agents' claims of political interference as those of "disgruntled agents" and accused the committee of releasing the transcripts as part of a misinformation campaign to harm Hunter Biden. The attorney also raised concerns about the inclusion of exhibits obtained through subpoenas and search warrants, including a controversial WhatsApp message. Lowell argued that the committee's actions were intended to undermine the ongoing judicial proceedings and defended the role of prosecutors in weighing evidence. The battle between Hunter Biden and congressional Republicans is expected to intensify as further scrutiny is placed on his business dealings and the Justice Department's handling of the investigation.