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

Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice, 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 Commerce, Office of the Inspector General:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I would like to join you in welcoming Peggy Gustafson, the Inspector General for the Department of Commerce, to our subcommittee.    

The Inspector General occupies a unique position, with responsibility to oversee the operation and performance of the Department of Commerce and promote the Department’s integrity, efficiency, and accountability. 

I am proud of the strong funding increase we provided in last year’s Appropriations Act for the work of the Inspector General, and I look forward to hearing how those investments will be applied to continue the important oversight work of the IG across the Department of Commerce.

I expect today we will cover a wide range of topics.  We will want to hear about the progress the Commerce Department is making in dealing with the many challenges it is tasked to face.

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