NE Washington News

Yesterday, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations conducted a hearing titled "Examining the Biden Administration’s Energy and Environment Spending Push." The session focused on scrutinizing the spending activities of the Biden-Harris Administration in its final months.

Chairman Gary Palmer expressed concerns about potential misuse of federal funds. He stated, “This Oversight and Investigations hearing provided a critical opportunity for the Committee to examine the Biden-Harris Administration’s reckless spending spree under its energy and environment grants and loans programs during their final months in office.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring taxpayer dollars are not wasted or misused.

The hearing included a discussion with a Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Inspector General (OIG) witness. Chairman Palmer referenced interim findings from December 2024, noting that “the DOE LPO is administering more than $385 billion in new loan authority without ensuring a regulatory and contractually compliant and effective system to manage the organizational conflicts of interests.” He highlighted concerns about compliance within the Loan Programs Office.

Subcommittee Vice Chairman Troy Balderson commented on efforts by the Biden Administration to expedite funding before President Trump’s inauguration. He cited remarks from former officials, including Jennifer Granholm, who was quoted as saying she was "racing to commit funding and get contracts signed." Balderson also mentioned a video where an EPA special advisor compared their actions to "throwing gold bars off the edge" of a ship.

Congressman Rick Allen stressed the need for oversight on spending related to major legislative acts such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He remarked, “This body has a duty to conduct oversight on all the money sent out through... these laws added to our out-of-control government spending.” Allen called for transparency regarding how funds were allocated and utilized.

The hearing underscored ongoing concerns about financial management within federal programs during transitions between administrations.