Comedy central: Waxman whacks 'fishing expeditions'

The Washington Examiner ^ | February 6, 2011 | Editorial

[Scanian]

There have been some real characters elected to Congress over the years. Davy Crockett, for instance, served one term in the House of Representatives, then told his constituents to go to hell and headed for Texas where he died defending the Alamo and became an American icon. And who could ever forget those delightful violin concertos delivered so frequently by Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia? Fortunately, the current Congress is not without its share of fascinating personalities. Take Rep. Henry Waxman, the California Democrat who must be moonlighting at the Comedy Club. Seems he had folks rolling in the aisles last week with this side-splitter, masterfully delivered in a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton of Michigan: "I am a strong supporter of congressional oversight, and I respect and support the Committee's right to seek information about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. But I do not believe your oversight powers justify going on fishing expeditions or making extensive requests for internal e-mails and other communications where there is no evidence of waste, fraud, or abuse of any kind." Coming from Waxman, that line about fishing expeditions is nothing short of hilarious. During his two years in the chair now occupied by Upton, Waxman was Quick-Draw McGraw in demanding documents, issuing subpoenas and dragooning witnesses, particularly if doing so resulted in embarrassment for Republicans, Fortune 500 CEOs, oil companies, or public utilities. In his new role as ranking minority member, Waxman told Upton that he couldn't understand why the chairman would ask the Department of Health and Human Services for so many documents on Obamacare waivers: "In the absence of any evidence of misconduct, asking for this much information for 222 waivers appears to be either another fishing expedition or an attempt to bog...

[maddog55]

This is what had them laughing:

[Scanian]

OK, now we need somebody to post the Lon Chaney “Phanton of the Opera” photo.

Amazing resemblance. Right up there with Ruth Buzzi and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

[abbyg55]

FTA: "I am a strong supporter of congressional oversight, and I respect and support the Committee's right to seek information"

but only when it's Democrats doing the seeking.

[Tupelo]

While I agree with the editorial, I don't think the writer(s) had to impugn the memory of a great American. David Crockett was defeated for reelection by his own party because he opposed Jackson's forced removal of the five “civilized” tribes from the Southeast. That was when he told his constituents that they could go to hell, he was going to Texas.

[BilLies]

I used to think the Waxman’s nose hairs were his most distinguishing physical characteristic, but the picture calls my attention to his ears. So instead of “Henry Nosehairs” I will remember to call him “Henry Nosehairs with the Big Ears”.
Cheap shot I know but the winter is starting to wear on me.

[CPOSharky]

but (sic) only when it's Democrats doing the seeking.

But only when it's Democrats doing the seeking to embarrass pubbies. (There fixed it.)

[Cincinatus]

[broken_arrow1]

A face only a mother could love...

[Scanian]

Thank you-—outstanding!

[43north]

[A face only a mother could love...]

I know you meant to say:

A face only a BLIND mother could love...

[reagan_fanatic]

I wonder how many times Waxman has been sued by the makers of Mr. Potato Head?