Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., said Sunday he would not share subpoena power with the Republicans when he becomes chairman of the House Oversight Committee next year.
During an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Cummings reasoned that his GOP counterpart on the panel doesn’t deserve the courtesy as it was not extended to him as ranking member.
“No,” Cummings said when asked about the prospect of splitting the ability to compel witnesses to testify before his committee. “The subpoenas that I wanted to issue would be much different than the ones I’ve seen. I want to issue subpoenas that go to the very heart of our democracy, and protecting that democracy. And subpoenas, by the way, that may involve, say, private industries like the pharmaceutical companies that are — with these skyrocketing drug prices. It’s our opportunity. I will consult with them. I will work with them, unlike they did with me. But no.”
Earlier in November, Cummings said he was open to the idea “to a certain degree.”
On Sunday, however, the Maryland Democrat said he was committed to efforts aimed at mitigating hyperpartisanship in Washington.
“I’m hoping that we will return to a level of civility now,” Cummings said. “I hope that we can have leadership that just doesn’t move to common ground, but move to higher ground, and I plan to lead that way. And one other thing: Our Democratic Party, although we may not have been elected by all the people, we’ve got to govern as if we were.”
