Rep. Pallone Requests Investigation Into Secretary Perry’s Potential Misuse of Taxpayer Funds to Criticize Affordable Care Act
Energy and Commerce Ranking Member
"I have significant concerns as to why
Pallone's letter also requests a formal opinion on whether
Full text of the letter (http://democrats-energycommerce.house.gov/sites/democrats.energycommerce.house.gov/files/documents/GAO.2017.07.26.%20Letter%20re%20DOE%20Antideficiency%20Act%20GAO%20Request%20Letter.%20EP.OI_.pdf) is available below:
The Honorable
Comptroller General
Dear Mr. Dodaro:
I write to request GAO open an investigation into the
Additionally, I also request a formal opinion as to whether recent
No part of any funds appropriated in this or any other Act shall be used by an agency of the executive branch, other than for normal and recognized executive-legislative relationships, for publicity or propaganda purposes, and for the preparation, distribution or use of any kit, pamphlet, booklet, publication, radio, television, or film presentation designed to support or defeat legislation pending before the
Secretary Perry's editorial directly calls for replacing the ACA, stating "[i]t has never been enough to repeal Obamacare... [r]eplacing is much harder work. But it must be done..." Additionally, Secretary Perry's editorial supports passage of legislation to repeal the ACA:
America can't afford another decade of spiraling costs, political bickering, or inaction. This may be the only window we have to do this. Millions of Americans are depending on their representatives to repeal this crushing law ... [w]e cannot, and must not, fail them any longer.
Additionally,
No part of any appropriation contained in this or any other Act shall be used directly or indirectly, including by private contractor, for publicity or propaganda purposes within
GAO has interpreted this language to prohibit "covert propaganda activities," defined as "materials... prepared by an agency and circulated as the ostensible position outside the agency" and that "a critical element of covert propaganda is the concealment of the agency's role in sponsoring material." The origin of the editorial is potentially misleading as
I have serious concerns that the origin of the materials is unclear or misleading and that taxpayer funds may have illegally gone towards the creation of these materials. To that end, I request GAO open a full investigation into
I appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. Should you have any questions about my request, please contact
Sincerely,
Ranking Member
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