Panel to Commerce IG: Back Off

Republicans and Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee agree on one thing, the Washington Post reports: that Commerce Department Inspector General Johnnie E. Frazier needs to back off while the panel investigates whether he misued travel funds, inappropriately gave selective bonuses to certain employees, and retaliated against whistleblowers. Committee members from both parties have sent a letter to Frazier saying that they have received "credible allegations" that IG office employees who have cooperated with the investigation have been threatened and retaliated against. "It is a violation of federal law to interfere with a congressional inquiry," the members noted.