On Tuesday, Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, faced criticism for what has been described as a redundant public request for information. Critics argue that Jordan had already received this information weeks before his latest demands, a claim supported by a recent report.
In a move that has stirred controversy, Jordan issued a subpoena to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, seeking extensive case files related to illegal immigrants crossing into the United States.
Jordan’s subpoena came after what he described as months of unproductive waiting for a response from the Health and Human Services (HHS) department. When HHS finally replied, Jordan characterized their excuses for not providing the requested information on criminal aliens as “baseless,” indicating a deep frustration with the department’s lack of cooperation.
“Since June 2023, the Committee has requested several HHS case files for criminal aliens charged with serious and violent crimes, including theft, brutal assault, and murder,” the letter reads.
In a detailed letter, Jordan aimed at the HHS, accusing the department of poor management in handling the placement of unaccompanied alien children. He suggested that this mismanagement has had severe consequences, potentially leading to undocumented minors engaging in serious criminal activities against American citizens.
However, the HHS has fired back against these allegations. In a statement provided to NBC News, an HHS spokesperson contested the legitimacy of Jordan’s subpoena, labeling it as a smokescreen for deeper political motives.
The spokesperson criticized House Republicans, including Jordan, for using the subpoena as a distraction from the larger issues at hand, such as the need for comprehensive immigration reform and enhanced border security measures. This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the HHS and certain members of Congress, particularly those pushing for more aggressive action on immigration and border security.
And, they said, Jordan received the documents he demanded weeks ago.
“As much as we realize that House Judiciary Republicans would like to build a narrative of stonewalling, the facts remain clear: HHS already voluntarily shared the documents in question to the Committee weeks ago,” the spokesperson statement reads.
“The sole information sought by the Committee is the personally identifiable information, medical records, and protected health information of children.” The spokesperson added that it remained “unclear” the ultimate purpose of “such personalized information” would serve.