NLRB IG follows education and workforce commission chairman Fox’s investigation into legitimate subpoenas
WASHINGTON — House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Kentucky) on efforts to undermine legitimate congressional investigations by investigating subpoenas issued , launched an investigation into the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Created by School Board and Workforce Chairman Virginia Fox, RN.C., based on a whistleblower account. In a letter to NLRB Inspector General David Berry, Chairman Comer requests all documents or communications between NLRB and OIG employees related to the decision to initiate an investigation into the congressional subpoena.
“The Oversight and Accountability Board will investigate a subpoena issued to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) based on a whistleblower by Education and Workforce Board (E&W Board) Chairman Virginia Fox. We are investigating your attempts to undermine legitimate congressional investigations by account.” Chairman Comer wrote. “This is a novel attempt to redefine and indeed overthrow the relative powers of the Inspector General and the body that created it (i.e. Congress). I am baffled by such ridiculous efforts to thwart Congressional investigations through investigations.”
On March 22, 2023, E&W Commission Chair Virginia Fox issued a subpoena to the NLRB whistleblower seeking documents required for the investigation, based on discussions with the NLRB whistleblower. However, on March 29, 2023, the OIG notified her E&W Commission staff that it had begun an investigation into the Congressional subpoena itself.
“Despite suspending the investigation, it does not appear to deny the unprecedented claim that the OIG can investigate Congressional subpoenas.” Chairman Comer wrote“The Commission on Oversight and Accountability has launched an investigation into the conduct of you and your office.”
Read the letter to NLRB IG Berry here.