Ranking Member Schakowsky Blasts Threatening and Needless Subpoenas

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today Ranking Member Schakowsky released the following statement in response to the Select Investigative Panel’s issuance of subpoenas.

“Once again, Chair Blackburn is using congressional authority to pursue baseless, inflammatory claims generated by anti-abortion extremists. Not one of the entities contacted by the Panel has expressed concern about ‘letting all the facts come out.’ Their – and the Democrats’ – concern is the safety of their researchers, students, doctors, and clinic personnel. Chair Blackburn has refused to explain why she needs a database of names. It is time for this witch hunt to come to an end.”

Background

Two of the entities issued subpoenas have never gotten a prior request from the Select Panel. Four others were issued subpoenas to appear before the Panel without any effort to seek their voluntary agreement to do so. Typically, congressional committees first request information through a letter request before they issue subpoenas for that information. Subpoenas are usually taken as a last resort, not first step, in an investigation.