Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, who is the Ranking Member of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, participated in a hearing where the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Department of Interior Inspector General (IG) testified regarding oversight of the Department of Interior.  

Congressman Simpson raised several concerns during the committee, highlighting the importance of congressional oversight.  “I get frustrated with how Congress focuses on how much is being spent rather than how we spend what we appropriate, and how oversight tends to get overlooked,” Simpson said. “I disagree with this approach and believe that oversight is one of the most important functions of the Appropriations Committee.” 

Simpson continued, “It is especially appropriate that we concentrate on oversight now that Congress has given its stamp of approval on over $15 billion in stimulus funding for the Department of Interior, as well as large increases in the Omnibus package the House passed last week.”

Many members shared Simpson’s concerns and agreed when he called for additional oversight hearings to address issues within the Department of Interior.  Interior Secretary Salazar is tentatively scheduled to testify to the subcommittee in the coming weeks.

The hearing today focused on management issues ranging from the challenges related to wildland fires, severe Parks Service maintenance backlogs, and oil and gas leasing to ethical problems at the Department and the lack of leadership in the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  As Ranking Member, Simpson has signaled his interest in continuing oversight hearings with the agencies under the jurisdiction of the subcommittee.  Next week, the subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing regarding oversight of the U.S. Forest Service.