Schiff, Thompson, Murphy Urge House Leadership to Include Coronavirus Response Commission Provision in Upcoming Relief Legislation
An Independent, Bipartisan Commission Would Complement Congressional Oversight Efforts
Washington D.C. – Today, Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Co-Chair of the House Blue Dog Coalition, sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy requesting inclusion of language in upcoming relief legislation establishing an independent bipartisan commission to examine the response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“We strongly believe that the establishment of an independent and bipartisan commission comprised of outside experts would complement other oversight efforts by Congress, Inspectors General, and others,” the Members wrote in their letter. “Though such a commission, like the 9/11 Commission, will take years to complete its work, a bipartisan and comprehensive review will provide the best chance to give the American people the answers they deserve, and to provide Congress and the Executive Branch with recommendations.”
Schiff, Thompson and Murphy have each proposed bills to create an independent, bipartisan commission that would examine the outbreak and spread of coronavirus, the nation’s preparedness and our government’s collective response, and make recommendations for the future to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.
“Should the House Leadership determine that inclusion of language establishing an independent bipartisan commission is warranted, we are confident we could work quickly with Members of both parties to reach an agreement,” the Members wrote. “We urge you to start that process now, and stand ready to assist in any way that we can.”
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy:
We write as Members who have introduced legislation to establish an independent bipartisan commission to examine the response to the novel coronavirus pandemic to request that you include language establishing such a commission in upcoming relief legislation. As we continue to grapple with the health and economic ramifications of this virus, it is vital that we begin laying the groundwork for an extensive and authoritative study, just as we did in the wake of Pearl Harbor and the September 11th terrorist attacks.
To date, over 70,000 Americans have died as a result of the virus. Even under optimistic projections, many more are likely to die before the virus is contained. We owe it to those who we have lost their lives and their loved ones to provide a full accounting of the national response to the virus - where we succeeded, where we failed, and how we can be better prepared for future pandemics.
There are currently at least four proposals introduced in the House to establish bipartisan commissions. Collectively, they have been cosponsored by 54 Members of Congress, 40 Democrats and 14 Republicans.
While there are important differences in what has been proposed, there are far more commonalities. All propose the establishment of a bipartisan commission with appointments from both parties. All would seek qualified, experienced experts in fields related to the coronavirus response to serve on the commission. All envision a similar scope of study related to the government’s preparation and response, at all levels of government, to the pandemic. All would require the issuance of a public report after a term of study of a year or more.
Should the House Leadership determine that inclusion of language establishing an independent bipartisan commission is warranted, we are confident we could work quickly with Members of both parties to reach an agreement. We strongly believe that the establishment of an independent and bipartisan commission comprised of outside experts would complement other oversight efforts by Congress, Inspectors General, and others. Though such a commission, like the 9/11 Commission, will take years to complete its work, a bipartisan and comprehensive review will provide the best chance to give the American people the answers they deserve, and to provide Congress and the Executive Branch with recommendations.
We urge you to start that process now, and stand ready to assist in any way that we can.
Sincerely,
Adam B. Schiff
Member of Congress
Bennie G. Thompson
Member of Congress
Stephanie Murphy
Member of Congress
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