Democrats reject White House intimidation letter over oversight probe

Out lesbian Rep. Becca Balint of Vermont laughed off a White House letter sent to incoming House Oversight chair Rep. Robert Garcia, calling the attempt to intimidate Democrats "peak Stephen Miller" and "pathetic." Balint noted that the letter was an effort by the Trump administration to assert dominance before Democrats take control of Congress.

Rep. Garcia stated that the White House is not constitutionally justified in sending threatening letters to members of Congress. He emphasized that Congress is a co-equal branch and that voters have made it clear they want lawmakers to focus on accountability and affordability, linking corruption directly to the high cost of gas and groceries.

Garcia affirmed that the Oversight Committee has a constitutional duty to investigate serious allegations of corruption among administration officials and members of the president's family. He insisted that the committee will not be stopped by the White House's efforts to intimidate them as they demand transparency.

Both lawmakers highlighted that the midterm elections signaled a voter desire for rigorous oversight. Garcia described the administration's actions as an attempt to hide information, while Balint characterized the White House's posture as an overreach by an administration trying to show it is still the "big guy."

Read the full story at LGBTQ Nation.