Ranking Member Cartwright Statement at Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request for the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General Hearing

Congressman Matt Carwtright (D-PA), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Jusice, Science and Related Agencies Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee's hearing on the fiscal year 2024 budget request for the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General:

Thank you, Chairman Rogers, and I would like to join you in welcoming Michael Horowitz, the Inspector General for the Department of Justice, to the subcommittee.

The Inspector General occupies a unique position, with responsibility to oversee the operation and performance of the Department of Justice, and promote the Department's integrity, efficiency, and accountability. I'm incredibly proud of the strong funding increase we provided in last year's enacted bill for the critical work of the Inspector General. During today's hearing, I look forward to hearing how those investments will be applied to continue the important oversight work of the IG across the Department of Justice.

I also expect today we will cover a wide range of topics. We will want to hear about how DOJ is dealing with other significant challenges facing the Department, such as efforts by the Department to improve the management of our Federal Prison System; combat the efforts of transnational criminal organizations to traffic illicit opioids to the United States; counter foreign influence and cyber threats; fight violent crime; and protect voting rights and institutional integrity.

So once again, welcome Inspector General Horowitz, and we look forward to your testimony.