Democratic South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn praised House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday for forming a congressional committee to examine the federal response to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The committee, which will be chaired by Clyburn, will “assure that the taxpayers’ dollars are being wisely and efficiently spent to save lives, deliver relief, and benefit our economy,” Pelosi said this week.
Clyburn said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union, “This is not about the president of the United States or even the independent council or the inspector general. This is about focusing on how the money is spent, whether or not the people who are getting the money are actually working on behalf of the American people or whether or not they’re profiteering.”
Congress passed an economic relief package of more than $2 trillion, and the money is slated to be sent to U.S. citizens beginning next week.
The Small Business Association has also set up a loan program for American businesses to apply for loans with business severely slowed amid closures and statewide lockdowns.
Democrats are interested in exploring the conduct of private companies that have access to much-needed medical supplies. Some state governors have accused these companies of price gouging.
“My understanding is that this committee will be forward-looking. We’re not going to be looking back at what the president may or may not have done back before this crisis hit. The crisis is with us,” Clyburn said, adding, “The question is whether or not the money that is appropriated will go to support them and their families or whether or not this money will end up in the pockets of a few profiteers.”
