Ranking member Congressman Elijah Cummings tore House Oversight Committee Chairmen Darrell Issa a new one today in a hearing to investigate the IRS "targeting conservative groups," as reported in, Issa, Cummings clash at IRS hearing, by Traci G. Lee, Issa had the micropbone cut, but Rep. Cummings kept at it. Chris Matthews showed videos of Cummings' powerful and moving statements. This occurred after Issa had staged a grandstanding session where he continued to ask IRS official Lois Lerner 10 questions after she made it clear she was going to take the Fifth every time. Issa then said, “Seeking the truth is the obligation of this committee, and I can see no point in going further,” and adjourned. Cummings then said:
As he stood up to leave, Cummings, the ranking Democrat on the committee, spoke into his mic. “Mr. Chairman? Mr. Chairman, I have a statement.” Issa ignored him and started to leave while Cummings continue. “Mr. Chairman, you cannot run a committee like this. You just cannot do this. We’re better than that as a country, we’re better than that as a committee. I have asked for a few minutes–”
Issa reached over and muted Cummings’ mic as Cummings spoke. Issa eventually returned to his seat and turned the mic back on, telling the rest of the chamber they were free to leave. “We’ve all adjourned, but the gentleman may ask his question,” Issa said.
Cummings spoke for roughly 30 seconds before Issa cut off his mic again. “We’re adjourned,” he ordered. “Close it down.” ... “Then you will sit down and allow me to ask the question! I am a member of the Congress of the United States of America! I am tired of this,” Cummings responded. “You cannot have just a one-sided investigation.”
I'm looking for the transcript, and copy of the video I just saw on Chris Matthews which was very powerful. Hurrah for Rep Cummings making the vile Rep Darryl Issa pay an ugly price for his exploitation of his position as chairmen. Issa will probably think twice about holding such a mock hearing again after this video gets circulation and more media coverage. It has showed him up to be the total ass that he truly is.
After the hearing Issa accused Cummings of slander saying, "He was actually slandering me at the moment that the mics did go off by claiming that this had not been a real investigation.” Seriously, Rep Issa, WTH?
5:17 PM PT: Please check out this post from earlier this afternoon. There are two hot stories in here, including one by the NYT that may spell the end of David Samson soon.
NJSpotlight reveals Hoboken was shortchanged $700,000 in Sandy funds using NJ's own criteria.