Lawmakers Warn Watchdog

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Source: Washington Post

Republicans and Democrats often bicker about the focus of congressional oversight. But the House Energy and Commerce Committee's investigation of the Commerce Department's internal watchdog has elicited some rare bipartisan unity.

That unanimity was on display again last Thursday when the committee sent a stern letter to Commerce Inspector General Johnnie E. Frazier and his deputies. It warned that lawmakers will not tolerate the "harassment and mistreatment" of subordinates in the office who are cooperating with the investigation.

The letter was signed by the panel's Democratic chairman, John Dingell of Michigan, and his Republican counterpart, Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, as well as Reps. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.), the two lawmakers who oversee the committee's investigative arm.

The lawmakers, as well as two federal agencies, are investigating allegations that Frazier -- whose job it is to root out waste, fraud and abuse at the Commerce Department -- has himself misspent money, abused government travel and retaliated against employees who raised concerns.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/13/AR2007051301014.html