|
Chairman Steil's full opening statement as prepared for delivery:
Today, the Committee on House Administration will consider the Committee’s oversight plan for the 119th Congress.
The Committee's jurisdiction includes House operations, Capitol security, and legislative branch oversight.
Our goals for the 119th Congress are to improve Member and Campus security and increase legislative branch independence, capacity, and efficiency.
Our goals include cutting costs, eliminating burdensome regulations, and promoting American ingenuity across the legislative branch.
We know this is an ambitious agenda.
But the Committee is ready to get to work and provide robust oversight of the legislative branch.
Ensuring the safety and security of visitors, staff, and Members on our campus is a top priority.
In recent months, we have seen several critical breaches that have raised concerns from the community about Capitol Police, access to the campus, and responding to threats.
We have also seen threats to Members off campus through instances of “swatting” and cybersecurity threats.
In the 119th Congress, we will continue our efforts to mitigate threats as well as direct the House Sergeant at Arms to conduct a comprehensive review of House security.
In addition, the Committee remains committed to providing the House with the resources needed to serve the American people effectively.
This requires us to empower legislative branch inspectors general to pursue efforts to detect waste, fraud, and abuse while holding agencies accountable to implement outstanding recommendations.
We will also encourage the use of emerging technologies to assist offices.
By doing this, we can equip offices with tools to provide services effectively and efficiently.
As stewards of the People’s House, we must take steps to detect waste, fraud, and abuse while eliminating burdensome regulations.
Many of the regulations, systems, and processes that govern the House have been in place for decades.
These regulations have not received proper attention or consideration.
During the 119th Congress, we will look at ways to improve efficiencies, reduce unnecessary requirements and cut costs.
According to this oversight plan, we will also conduct effective oversight of legislative branch entities by re-establishing regular budget hearings.
Additionally, we will promote the acquisition of American-made products and services across the legislative branch.
The Chief Administrative Office adheres to guidelines for procurement of goods and services for the House to ensure the most effective use of resources.
While frequently updated, the guidelines should be re-examined to ensure they are meeting current needs and utilizing the ingenuity of companies and their products that are ‘Made in the USA.'
We have an obligation to the American people to conduct this critical oversight of our legislative branch.
I am eager to discuss all of these and many other important matters today.
###
|
