House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has taken action by subpoenaing the Biden-Harris administration for information on the cost to taxpayers of housing illegal immigrants. Jordan has demanded answers from Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra about the administration’s enforcement of federal immigration law and its policies prioritizing illegal aliens and refugees over U.S. citizens and legal residents. The committee has been seeking information about the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s (ORR) use of taxpayer money for housing assistance for aliens, as well as its relationship with Church World Service and Refugee Housing Solutions.
Despite multiple requests for documents and communications related to ORR’s role in providing housing assistance, the director has repeatedly missed deadlines. The committee received only seven pages of documents on Oct. 4 that contained no substantial information. Jordan expressed frustration at the lack of cooperation from HHS and emphasized the importance of fulfilling the committee’s oversight obligations. The subpoena was issued in order to obtain all documents and communications related to housing assistance for refugees, parolees, and other aliens by the end of October.
Jordan highlighted the broad power of Congress to conduct oversight, as recognized by the Supreme Court, in order to inform potential legislative reforms. He pointed out that potential reforms could include limiting funding for housing assistance for aliens and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used to benefit American citizens who are struggling with housing costs. The committee’s jurisdiction extends to matters concerning federal immigration law, allowing them to gather information to inform legislative proposals aimed at addressing the administration’s current application of immigration laws.
The letter from Jordan to Secretary Becerra emphasized the importance of understanding the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to federal immigration law in order to consider potential reforms. Jordan stressed that it is necessary to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are being used to benefit American citizens who are facing difficulties in buying homes or paying rent. The subpoena issued by the committee compels HHS to provide all relevant documents and communications related to housing assistance for refugees, parolees, and other aliens in coordination with various government departments and Church World Service.
The lack of cooperation from HHS in providing requested information has hindered the House Judiciary Committee’s ability to fulfill its constitutional oversight obligations. Jordan’s letter referenced the Supreme Court’s recognition of Congress’s extensive power to conduct oversight and gather information on the administration of existing laws. By issuing a subpoena, the committee aims to obtain comprehensive information on the costs of housing illegal immigrants and the administration’s policies. This information is crucial for informing potential legislative reforms aimed at addressing concerns related to the prioritization of illegal aliens and refugees over American citizens.
Fox News Digital reached out to HHS for comment on the subpoena but did not receive an immediate response. The Biden-Harris administration’s handling of federal immigration law and the allocation of taxpayer funds for housing assistance for aliens has raised questions and concerns within the House Judiciary Committee. By demanding transparency and accountability through the subpoena, Chairman Jordan is working to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used appropriately and to inform potential legislative reforms that could benefit American citizens struggling with housing costs.
