Issa Statement on the Retirement of Former Oversight Committee Chairman Henry Waxman
WASHINGTON – Today, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., released the following statement on the retirement from Congress of former Oversight Committee Chairman and California colleague Henry Waxman:
“Henry Waxman’s legacy in public service included significant efforts he undertook as a Member, Ranking Member, and finally Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. While I didn’t always agree with Chairman Waxman on matters of both policy and oversight tactics, his tenure helming the Committee set important precedents and innovated new investigative tools such as the use of subpoenas for closed-door depositions. A number issues he doggedly began to follow during his two years as Chairman such as the use of the White House Office of Political Affairs to advance partisan political agendas with taxpayer funds, the over-classification and pseudo-classification of information to hide embarrassing government blunders, and the problematic use of non-official e-mail accounts for official government business remain on the Committee’s agenda today. Even the Committee’s name reflects a change made under Chairman Waxman’s time leading the panel. After his long and distinguished career in Congress, I wish Henry the best in his well-earned retirement.”
In addition to other Committee assignments, Henry Waxman served as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee from 1997 to 2007 and as Chairman from 2007 to 2009.