ICYMI: Congresswoman Simon Opening Statement at First House Oversight Committee “Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Lateefah Simon was recently appointed by House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-CA) as the top Democrat of the newly established so-called "Oversight Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses."

Today, the Task Force had its first hearing on Republican allegations of Medicaid fraud in Ohio. In her opening remarks, Congresswoman Simon called out Republican hypocrisy in addressing "fraud" and defended Americans' access to Medicaid. In case you missed it, Congresswoman Simon's opening remarks can be found below.

"This is the first hearing convened by the so-called 'Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses.'

"And I have to say, if this hearing is any indication of what this Task Force intends to do, I think the American people have reason to be concerned. Because they are being gaslit.

"Families across this country are struggling to afford rent. They are struggling to afford groceries. They are struggling to afford health care. And they are struggling to afford childcare. And many, particularly our elders are wondering how they will be able to retire one day. Seniors are worried about the future of Medicare and Social Security. Our disabled populations are fighting every day for access to the services they need to live.

"And yet we are here. We are here having this conversation. Republicans have called this hearing on 'Universal Basic Fraud.' Before we've heard a single witness and again thank you all for being here. Before we've received a single finding, the conclusion has already been written.

"The premise is that public benefit programs are inherently suspect and that the people who rely on them should be viewed with skepticism and distrust, rather than compassion. And I wholeheartedly and forcefully reject that premise.

"Now, let me be clear. And I want this to be heard, loud and clear. Fraud must be investigated. Inefficient systems must be addressed. Bad actors must be held accountable wherever they exist. But one bad actor, even a few bad actors, don't and should never define an entire program.

"Millions, and we mean millions, of Americans rely on Medicaid. Seniors rely on it. Disabled folks rely on it. Working families rely on it. Caregivers rely on it. And as somebody, who has cared for a terminally ill person - the person I loved most in the world, my husband. We received and got a ton of community support, including home health. I know that these services are not just lifelines, but they're often the difference between stability and literal crisis.

"What concerns me is that too often conversations like this are not actually about accountability. They become a justification for the gutting the social safety net that Americans have paid into. They become the justification for making it harder for people to access care. They become the justification for undermining programs that millions of people depend on every day. And they become the justification for subjugating entire classes of people. Yes, subjugating entire classes of people.

"So, if Republicans are truly concerned about government 'fraud and waste,' then we, as a body, should be willing to apply that standard consistently. We, and my Republican colleagues, should be willing to explain why they are pursued the largest cuts to Medicaid in HISTORY, while supporting and funding an illegal and immoral war and a ballroom at the White House.

"The question before us is not whether fraud should be addressed. It should be the question of why my colleagues are spending my time, our time, tearing down programs that help real people -the sick, the disabled, the elderly-instead of addressing the high costs and conditions of life that families in this country are dealing with on a daily basis.

"I hope today's hearing focuses on solutions. And Mr. Chairman, I hope we can distinguish between isolated instances of wrongdoing and the millions of people who rely on these services in good faith. And I hope we remember that protecting the integrity of Medicaid ultimately lifts up and benefits ALL Americans. Thank you. I yield back."

Oversight Democrats on the Task Force, led by Congresswoman Simon, will examine systemic barriers and unlawful discrimination in employment, education, housing, and healthcare; fight for humane immigration policies and social programs that protect workers and families; fight disinformation and attempts to suppress civic engagement; and defend voting rights, academic freedom, and democratic participation. Oversight Democrats will also utilize the Task Force to address broader matters related to civil rights, democratic governance, and equal justice under law.

###