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Press Release Published: Oct 8, 2009

Issa Welcomes Rep. Cao to Oversight Committee

WASHINGTON, DC – Ranking Member Darrell Issa (CA-49) welcomed Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (LA-2) to the Oversight and Government Reform Committee following the approval of his appointment by the House of Representatives.

“From work overseeing national security issues to looking at mismanaged Federal response efforts in Louisiana, Congressman Cao will aid the committee’s efforts to create a government that is truly transparent and accountable to the American people.  I am excited about working with Rep. Cao to implement his vision for an effective government that gives Americans a fair return on their tax dollars.”

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has legislative jurisdiction over areas including the District of Columbia, the government procurement process, federal personnel systems, and the Postal Service. The committee’s primary responsibility, however, is oversight and has the authority to investigate any federal program and any matter with federal policy implications.

Cao said: “It is an honor to have been selected for this position, and I look forward to working on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. This assignment gives me another platform to fight for New Orleans and Jefferson Parish.

“My joining the [Oversight] Committee is good news for Orleans and Jefferson Parishes because this Committee has been the driving force behind Congress’ investigation into what went wrong at all levels of government during Hurricane Katrina.  Under the leadership of my friend and Ranking Member Darrell E. Issa [(R-CA)], the Committee has sustained their oversight of FEMA, Homeland Security, HUD, Medicare and Medicaid, the SBA, and every other federal agency that was part of the problem and not the solution to our recovery.  This Committee also will be my platform for making sure the men and women defending our nation have the resources they need.

“In the coming days, I will be sitting down with Darrell and Committee Chairman [Edolphus] Towns [(D-NY)] to discuss my priorities which include :  (1) rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in government operations which is stifling recovery; (2) ensuring the district is adequately represented in the 2010 census given that many of my constituents remain displaced; (3) exploring US relations with our neighbors to the south, Cuba, especially given potential benefits to New Orleans of increased trade; and (4) continuing my fight for democracy, human rights, and religious freedom worldwide especially in my homeland of Vietnam.”