News From Congressman Issa
News From Congressman Issa
Congressman Issa Celebrates Peaceful Transition; Will Work with Biden Administration
On January 20, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) released the following statement following the inauguration of President Biden:
“Every Inauguration Day is a celebration of our enduring democracy — and today continues that uniquely American tradition. I have known President Biden for more than 20 years, I welcome his words of unity, and the country stands to benefit if he keeps the promises he made during the campaign to bring us together. Today is also a time to pray for our nation and its success. May God continue to bless America.”
Congressman Issa Calls for Reimbursement for Palomar Hospital Coronavirus Care Site
On January 27, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) toured Palomar Medical Center Escondido, which was recently activated by the State of California for regional Coronavirus support. He also called for swift reimbursement for Palomar’s significant investment:
“Since the Pandemic’s start, Palomar Medical Center has repeatedly answered the call to provide care for our community. At the State’s request, they recently activated the critical care site I toured today, which is a remarkable new asset in the fight against COVID-19. This team worked around the clock, and they deserve our thanks and our support.
Congressman Issa also detailed Palomar’s difficulty with receiving the reimbursement it is owed for the development and operation of this facility:
“Let me be clear: Palomar kept its commitment to this community. We will ensure that government promises are upheld, and Palomar is reimbursed for their investments.”
Diane Hansen, President and CEO of Palomar Health, added:
“We are so appreciative of Congressman Issa’s visit and his support for the men and women who are on the front lines of the pandemic. I am proud of the work of our staff, who has been sacrificing so much to care for our entire community.”
Background
Palomar Medical Center in Escondido worked with state and federal agencies to establish an alternate care site on two floors of the facility.
The alternate care sites were strategically implemented by the state to provide relief for local hospitals and healthcare systems facing potential overcrowding. Palomar worked with the state on adjustments for this wing – including setting up IT capabilities and extending oxygen ports to 40 of 100 beds – to provide much-needed health care resources for surrounding communities.
Despite being operational from April, the Federal Medical Station at Palomar was activated on December 31, 2020 and began treating patients. Palomar Medical Center is seeking reimbursement for $3.5 million, which includes the cost of construction modifications.
Congressman Darrell Issa Named to Powerful House Committees
On January 27, the House Republican Steering Committee selected Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) to serve on the powerful House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Issa released the following statement:
“I am honored to return to service as a Senior Member of the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs committees this Congress. These committees stand at the forefront of our nation’s great challenges: protecting free speech, securing our border, reforming immigration, combating global terrorism and limiting government overreach. On behalf of the 50th District of California, I can’t wait to get to work and craft lasting solutions.
“I look forward to the leadership of Judiciary Ranking Member Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Michael McCaul (R-TX). They are outstanding colleagues, and work tirelessly on behalf of our nation’s families, workers and small businesses.”
Background
The House Judiciary Committee holds critical jurisdiction over Constitutional questions, Civil Rights, the Courts, Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, Immigration, Voting Rights, technology and intellectual property, and the Internet.
The Foreign Affairs Committee is responsible for legislation and oversight of foreign policy including foreign assistance, war powers, treaties, arms controls among other global challenges.
Congressman Issa Calls on Governor Newsom to Release All Scientific Evidence Used to Justify Lockdowns
On January 28, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) called on Governor Gavin Newsom and the State of California to release to the public all scientific information considered by the state regarding COVID-19 policy and to continue to do so regularly and for the duration of the pandemic response. The Issa letter to Newsom follows repeated and widespread state-imposed lockdowns and cites a recent Associated Press article that outlined the State’s failure to disclose the supporting science used as justification.
In the letter, Issa wrote: “At your direction – and with scant public warning or disclosure – our California communities have been dragged open and closed for much of the last year. Yet, the critical data utilized to justify these restrictions remains hidden from public review.
“Fundamentally, Californians have a right to know the science and data underlying the State’s COVID-19 restrictions. I write today to call on the State to immediately release to the public all studies, data, formulas, models, and scientific evidence considered by state officials regarding COVID-19 policy, and to continue to do so regularly and for the duration of the pandemic response.”
Issa continued: “While the Newsom Administration long ago pledged to prioritize transparency, the State has instead relied on closed door meetings, occasional public declarations via Zoom and superficial press releases to convey selective COVID-19 data, which has offered, at best, murky conclusions. This pattern of secrecy has caused an erosion of trust between the public and the State, and it has negatively impacted the ability of communities to mitigate, plan and adjust to required safety protocols.
“Local decision makers rely on the State’s data for crucial decision making. Students are kept out of classrooms. Small businesses shuttered. Seniors isolated from their grandchildren. Criminals allowed to walk out of jail. The significance of true, full transparency should be self-evident given the importance of these decisions.”
To read the full letter, click here.
Congressman Darrell Issa Appointed to Key Foreign Affairs Subcommittees
On February 10, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) has been named today to the Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights and International Development, International Organizations and Global Corporate Social Impact Subcommittees. Issa released the following statement:
“I am honored to return to service as a Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The United States must continue to be a resilient partner to our allies, and these committees will work to prevent any weakening of the progress made under the Trump administration to hold accountable the enemies of democracy and human rights.”
I look forward to the leadership of Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Michael McCaul (R-TX) as we work to promote democracy around the world, support our allies, keep America secure, and champion human rights.”
Ranking Member McCaul stated, “I am pleased to welcome Darrell Issa back to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. With his history of service on the committee, Rep. Issa is an important voice to have back, and I look forward to working closely with him to advance U.S. interests around the world.”
Issa has served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee for five terms.
Background
The Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations has jurisdiction over sub-Saharan Africa, and exercises oversight of the human rights practices and activities of the United Nations in the region. The Subcommittee on International Development, International Organizations and Global Corporate Social Impact has jurisdiction over promoting environmental, ethical business practices and issues related to corporate social impact.
The Foreign Affairs Committee is responsible for legislation and oversight of American foreign policy including foreign assistance, war powers, treaties, arms controls and other global challenges. Congressman Issa looks forward to continuing to advance peace in the Middle East and in the greater region and conducting oversight on the activities of government agencies promoting and enforcing US foreign policy.
Congressman Issa Leads Call for House Oversight Committee Hearing on California Unemployment Fraud
On February 11, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) led a letter with House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-KY) and Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) requesting House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) convene a hearing on the massive unemployment benefit fraud uncovered in the State of California.
California State Audit reports issued on January 26 and 28, 2021 uncovered between $11 – $31 billion in fraudulent benefits issued by the California Employment Development Department which administers California’s unemployment insurance (UI) program.
“This egregious mismanagement is a twin betrayal of both taxpayers and our fellow citizens who need and deserve these benefits. Despite repeated warnings of fraud and outright theft, the State hesitated when it should have acted, then panicked and paused legitimate benefits for millions of residents. Enough is enough. We need answers, accountability and immediate reform,” said Rep. Issa.
The letter in part reads, “Additional reports verify the state paid more than 35,000 claims under state prisoners’ names, with one inmate collecting nearly $49,000. California also paid more than $421,000 to 133 Death Row inmates—including Scott Peterson, a San Quentin prisoner found guilty of killing his wife and unborn child. Still, more fraudulent payouts went to organized crime sources in Russia, China, and other countries. The Sacramento County District Attorney called it “perhaps the biggest fraud of taxpayer dollars in California history.”
Read the full request letter here.
Issa Requests Briefing on Continued Capitol Complex Shutdown
On February 12, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi requesting a briefing for all Members of Congress on the continuing heightened security posture across the Capitol Complex.
The letter in part reads, “Today, more than a month after January 6, the Capitol Complex remains surrounded by tall fencing, barbed wire borders, concrete barriers, restricted sidewalks, and the continued presence and patrol of thousands of National Guard troops. For more than a month, escorted guests, student class tours and even families who wish to see the people’s house in person are completely blocked from these spaces. This is an unprecedented posture and one that every elected official must have the information underlying these decisions.”
“As our Capitol continued in lockdown, blocked from the citizens it works to represent, I retain serious concern that this is doing lasting damage to the institution of this House,” the letter continued.
Congressman Issa serves the 50th District of California, which encompasses the central and northeastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County; including the communities of Fallbrook, San Marcos, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, El Cajon, Temecula, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line.
