Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to Barbara A. Mikulski, April 22, 1998

ROBERT L. EHRLICH. JR. 315 Cannon House Office Builc Washington. DC 20515 BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES Congress of tfte ainlteb States Ulousr of Ecprtsfntattotis flSHatfjington, 2ЭС 20515-2002 April 22, 1998 ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP The Honorable Barbara A. Mikulski Ranking Member I Shore Profession»!. Blog. 4231 Postal Court 14101 255-6983 Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies 130 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear 1 I am writing to express my unequivocal support for HUD Inspector General Susan Gaffney and the proposed investigation by her office of federal housing monies spent in Baltimore City. Frankly, it offends me to be compelled to comment on what should be a patently apolitical event; however, the widely reported outrageous comments from certain public officials in Baltimore City require me to share my views regarding this investigation. As a member of the Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee representing Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District, I have been terribly concerned with the alleged incidences of ethical lapses, cronyism, and blatant misuse of federal taxpayer dollars by the Baltimore City Housing Authority, as reported by the Baltimore Sun. Although I do not represent Baltimore City, my constituents residing near the city line have been severely impacted by the inept housing policies and management practices of this local Public Housing Agency (PHA). Furthermore, all American taxpayers decry misuse of federal dollars and collectively demand accountability from local officials spending public dollars. Every one of President Clinton’s Inspector Generals must remain above partisan political attacks in order to perform the duties and responsibilities of his or her office. Accordingly, I am outraged and embarrassed by the comments relating to race and partisan politics with respect to the selection of those cities to be investigated. The attempts to derail the investigation and, possibly, taint the results must not succeed. I trust that you will continue to support Inspector General Gaffney’s investigation and prove to all Americans that local officials will not be allowed to use racial politics and/or political shenanigans to divert the Inspector General from her sworn duty. I applaud this Inspector General for taking most seriously the obligations of her office to reduce fraud and waste throughout HUD and the many local PHAs funded by the federal government. The reputation of Ms. Gaffney and her staff is one of thoughtful, fair-minded, professional, and unquestioned integrity. Congress must rebuke efforts to undermine her and this important investigation. r I appreciate your assistance on this matter and stand ready to help you in any way. Very truly yours, Member of Congress