Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Resolution of Inquiry to Push for Trump Conflict of Interest Investigation
(WASHINGTON) Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Vice Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, introduced a Resolution of Inquiry directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide the Committee on Homeland Security with all information and documents it possesses related to payments made by DHS for Trump Organization or Trump family member travel in furtherance of Trump Organization business.
This information could include any documentation of payments, expenditures, costs to or by the Department or associated with protection that has not been documented by the Secretary as in furtherance of the United States Government. Once this information is obtained, the Committee can begin to properly investigate this matter. Under House rules, unless the resolution is considered by the Committee within 14 days, it can be called up in the House for immediate consideration.
“Each day American taxpayers ask this Administration for a balanced budget, good-paying jobs, living wages and affordable healthcare and instead are paid lip-service as the President and his adult children enrich themselves at America’s expense," said Watson Coleman. "The tax dollars American’s want to see rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, investing in the education of our children and ensuring senior citizens receive adequate return on their investment in our workforce, is instead being wasted furthering the business interests of the Trump Organization. Congress has a constitutional obligation to investigate and ensure that the Department of Homeland Security resources are solely used to ensure the protection of those seeking to prioritize and advocate for the interests of the United States of America."
"The Committee on Homeland Security has a duty to “shield the homeland and protect Americans,” which is why I urge my colleagues to investigate these expenses to ensure that our limited federal resources are targeted toward true security needs and not lining the pockets of this President. Approving this resolution would be the first step towards providing answers to the American people and preventing further misuse of taxpayer dollars to line the pocketbook of a President who has made clear that the nation’s best interest is not his first priority.”
The Resolution of Inquiry (H. Res. 447) can be found here.
BACKGROUND: A Resolution of Inquiry is a legislative tool that has privileged parliamentary status, meaning it can be brought to the floor if the relevant Committee has not reported it within 14 legislative days, even if the House Majority has not scheduled it for a vote. Once introduced, the Committee must schedule a markup in that period to consider and debate the measure and vote on whether to report it to the house favorably or unfavorably. If the Committee fails to act, it can be called up on the House floor and voted upon by the full House of Representatives.
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