Colorado’s Diana DeGette plans to investigate Trump’s family separation policy as House committee chair

January 15, 2019

DeGette on Tuesday was appointed chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s oversight panel, which has subpoena power. According to a release from her office, her first order of business is to investigate the Trump administration’s policy of separating families at the border.

The Denver Post

Count Denver's U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette among the congressional Democrats who are ready to investigate President Donald Trump's administration.

DeGette on Tuesday was appointed chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's oversight panel, which has subpoena power. According to a release from her office, her first order of business is to investigate the Trump administration's policy of separating families at the border.

DeGette's appointment to lead the oversight body was expected. Earlier this year she made a failed bid for a leadership role.

Among the departments DeGette will have oversight over: the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

DeGette, in a statement, said facts and science will be at the center of decision-making on policy issues such as climate change.

"I can think of no other time in our nation's history that keeping a close watch on these agencies was so important," DeGette said.