Ranking Member Robert Garcia Appoints Congresswoman Lateefah Simon as Lead Democrat on Task Force to Defend Constitutional Rights and Expose Institutional Abuses

Representative Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, announced the appointment of Congresswoman Lateefah Simon as the top Democrat of the newly established so-called "Oversight Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses." Congresswoman Simon and Oversight Democrats will serve on the front line, defending against the Trump Administration's attacks on civil rights, democratic institutions, and programs millions of Americans depend on.

"Congresswoman Simon has spent her entire life fighting for the people, and she's going to bring that fight to this Task Force. Republicans are attacking our constitutional rights and gutting programs families rely on. We are not going to let them succeed," said Ranking Member Robert Garcia.

"Republicans are hell bent on hollowing out our government. I know personally that government decisions and programs are not abstract - they determine whether families survive or fall through the cracks. That is why I am ready to lead Oversight Democrats on this task force: to push back against attacks on our civil rights, defend the public institutions and programs that serve our communities, and fight for a government that works for all people," said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. "Thank you to Ranking Member Garcia for your fierce leadership. Oversight Dems are united in ensuring our government is not co-opted by this Administration to only serve the few and instead lives up to the most basic ideal of improving life for all.

Members of the Task Force include:

• Ranking Member Robert Garcia
• Congresswoman Lateefah Simon
• Congressman Dave Min
• Congressman James Walkinshaw
• Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley

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.

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