Thread by @SenatorCarper

Today, we have:

- 90,000+ American lives lost to #COVID19
- Depression-level unemployment across the U.S.
- Persistent PPE shortages

Tomorrow, we'll see:

Senate Republicans waste @HSGAC's time and resources on an unrelated political errand for President Trump.

THREAD 👇

For those who don't know, @HSGAC is the Senate’s primary oversight committee charged with studying 'the efficiency, economy and effectiveness' of ALL agencies across our government.

But, with that broad jurisdiction, in the middle of a pandemic, we're chasing conspiracy theories

While millions find themselves in dire straits, Chairman Johnson is using this committee to push Russian disinformation.

I've also served as @HSGAC Chairman. There's no shortage of legitimate issues that this committee has a responsibility to examine right now. Here are a few:

In 2016, my colleague Chairman Johnson issued a report on empowering Inspectors General. In light of @realDonaldTrump removing 4 IGs during a pandemic, the committee with jurisdiction over IGs should investigate.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing. hsgac.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/…

The Trump Administration launched “Project Airbridge” in March to help get PPE to those on frontlines of #COVID19 — a laudable effort. But, to date, @FEMA’s shipment totals are much lower than what @realDonaldTrump claims.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.
washingtonpost.com/investigations…

.@DHSGov is charged with the mission of protecting the American people and our homeland. Yet still, amid a pandemic, serious gaps in leadership remain. In fact, 10 of 17 top positions are either filled by acting officials, or vacant entirely.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

.@USGAO has either undertaken or will begin investigations into more than 150 audits related to misuse of taxpayer dollars allocated in the latest #COVID19 federal relief package.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

Our committee has a long, bipartisan history of working with whistleblowers to identify and address failures in our government. Let's hear from Dr. Bright and others about how our country and our institutions can be better prepared going forward.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

During this Congress alone, Chairman Johnson has held 6 hearings on our southern border. Now, instead of chasing conspiracy theories, let's look into conditions at ICE family detention centers during a pandemic or how we reopen our borders safely.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

.@USPS continues to deliver life-saving drugs, critical packages to homes and businesses, mail ballots, PPE, and #COVID19 tests. Yet Congress still has not come up with a plan to address the financial crisis facing this essential agency.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

We’re less than 6 months out from an election, and there is no national plan in place to ensure that every American who is eligible to vote, can vote. We should be preparing for that now.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

Last week, @WSJ reported that foreign hackers were targeting U.S. universities and health care firms to steal information related to #COVID19 treatments. Let’s not waste time. Let’s examine our preparedness to combat cybersecurity threats now.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

We have seen that, even during a devastating pandemic, there are some people trying to scam Americans, particularly seniors, out of their stimulus checks. We should be making sure that bad actors are held accountable.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing. nextgov.com/cybersecurity/…

We have led the way in evaluating our nation's response to infectious diseases — from the Avian flu to Ebola. Let's hear from bipartisan experts who have experience with pandemic preparedness. We can start with @GovMikeLeavitt and @RonaldKlain.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

According to @FBI, 2019 was the deadliest year for domestic violent extremism since the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. And recently, there has been an alarming increase of targeted attacks on Asian Americans and other minority communities.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

In the midst of the #2020Census — an effort that requires workers to go door to door — are workers properly protected? Does the @uscensusbureau have the resources it needs to complete this critical count, especially in rural areas?

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

After events that fundamentally changed our country — from terrorist attacks to natural disasters — our committee learned from those on the frontlines. We should hear from health care workers, mayors, and governors dealing with #COVID19 up close.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

Speaking of mayors, our committee oversees the District of Columbia, which has seen a spike in #COVID19 deaths. Let's invite @MayorBowser and hear what resources our nation's capital needs, especially after being shortchanged in the #CARESAct.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

As we face yet another early start to hurricane season, this committee could be evaluating the federal government's ability to respond to potentially deadly storms in the midst of a pandemic.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

For years, this committee has worked in a bipartisan way to combat the devastating opioid crisis that has plagued too many communities. Now, the coronavirus is threatening to reverse the gains we have made in that fight.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

Finally, Congress just passed a $2 trillion relief package. My Republican colleagues used to join me in conducting oversight to root out waste, fraud and abuse. Let's hear from the administration and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.

That deserves a @HSGAC hearing.

My staff and I have spent countless hours on the phone with officials from @fema, @BARDA, @HHSgov, @StateDept, @DeptofDefense and other agencies to get the facts about the administration’s response to #COVID19.

Their answers should be before @HSGAC for all Americans to hear.

I’m ready to hear from the experts.

I’m ready to listen to the folks on the ground.

I’m ready to conduct much-needed oversight.

Let’s do the important work that @HSGAC used to do — the work that makes a difference and can protect Americans going forward.