Cummings named top Democrat on Oversight
Rep. Elijah Cummings has been elected the top Democrat on the House’s principle investigative panel.
The Baltimore Democrat can now look forward to two years of combat with incoming chairman Darrell Issa, the California Republican who has pledged wide-ranging investigations of the Obama administration when the GOP takes control of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in January.
In seeking to become ranking member, or leader of the committee minority, Cummings had said he would not allow the oversight committee “to tie the hands of our President and federal workforce, preventing them from fulfilling their duties to protect and serve the American people.”
The position will put Cummings first in line to become chairman of the committee should the Democrats regain control of the House. Earlier, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, a Montgomery County Democrat, was named ranking member of the House budget committee.
After his election by the Democratic House Caucus on Thursday, Cummings spoke of the oversight committee’s importance in the coming Congress, “as we continue to seek the causes and solutions of our economic downturn, as we attempt to stem the tide of fraudulent foreclosures in America, and as we ensure our citizens’ money is spent effectively and efficiently by the Federal Government."
He continued: “I understand the power of the Committee and how it can be utilized for progress and growth, or for obstruction and attack. I strongly believe in the mission of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform that is embodied in that Committee’s very name: to conduct meaningful oversight of government operations and identify methods for improving government processes.
“I am ready to stand beside the new Majority as they continue the hard work Democrats have begun, seeking real solutions to the problems that trouble our government and our nation. I understand the urgency of ensuring that government effectively completes its missions and serves the needs of our citizens. I will hold this Administration to the highest standards and will vigorously exercise the Congress’ responsibility of overseeing executive action.”
Comments
Could not have picked a better man to lead the dems. He will be sure to increase the repub majority in 2 years.
Posted by: What a choice | December 17, 2010 9:19 AM
Cummings is among the worst members of the House of Reps. Baltomorons just keep voting this dunderhead into office and he will keep showing the level of ignorance in Baltimore.
Posted by: RevSharptee | December 17, 2010 10:39 AM
Representative Cummunings is a smart, fair and effective leader. He has served the 7th Congressional District with honor for many years. The two previous comments from What a Choice and RevSharptee are indicaitve of the same republicans who were recently elected. The party on No will have two years to demonstrate their incompetency and will be sent back home in 2012--the year of a resounding Obama re-election.
Posted by: Glenn SMith | December 17, 2010 11:26 AM
Cummings is a Socialist Progressive tool of the far far left fringe.
He HAS NOT in any way represented the western end of his constituency. Never has, never will. He is a racist only interested in "his people" in the city.
He has done NOTHING in congress anyone can be proud of. Unless calling for steroid use in MLB is something he wants to be remembered for.
I challenge Glenn Smith to list any important accomplishments of this Socialist in all the years he has sucked on the taxpayer tit. I'll wait.
Posted by: Same ol Same ol | December 17, 2010 11:50 AM
Cummings lost my support by backing Jessamy in the primaries she of the "electing Bernstein will set us back 60 years" quote.
Anyone who supported that racist bs has lost my support.
Posted by: jay | December 17, 2010 12:19 PM
This is the fool that thinks terminal cancer patients who get busted for pot should do time. As a cancer survivor and a Democrat it astounds me that someone could have such a nonexistant level of compassion. If you've ever been through chemotherapy, you know what I mean.
Posted by: Billzappa | December 23, 2010 6:20 PM
His main job will be playing the role as an obstructionist so Rep. Issa doesn't uncover too much about the Obama presidency.
Posted by: From Harford | December 24, 2010 11:36 PM