Issa releases range of probe topics

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Corruption in Afghanistan, WikiLeaks and government "hyper-regulation" are a few investigations U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., says he'll conduct.

The incoming House Oversight and Government Reform chairman released his "initial oversight investigations lineup" Monday on his Twitter page.

Other investigations will involve the "failure of financial crisis inquiry commission to target origins of financial crisis," the mortgage crisis, the effectiveness of Food and Drug Administration recalls and the "impact of government hyper-regulation on job creation."

"More to come, but wanted to share the lineup so far with you," Issa tweeted.

Issa pledged hearings -- and lots of them -- soon after Republicans won control of the House of Representatives on Election Day and he was in line to become the chamber's oversight chairman.

Earlier, the outspoken California Republican said on his Twitter page tough oversight "is what our massive federal bureaucracy needs to slim down. That's what I will work to deliver."

An order for hearings hasn't been determined and witnesses haven't been notified yet, Politico reported.

"If we can take any lessons away from the results of the midterm elections, it's that the American people will no longer tolerate a government that has institutionalized a culture of waste and abuse that acts carelessly with their tax dollars," Issa spokesman Kurt Bardella said in a statement to Politico. "As chairman of this committee, Congressman Issa will pursue an agenda that aims to shed light on the failures of government for the purpose of reforming them so that the government is more transparent and accountable to the American people."

Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., the panel's top Democrat, told Politico said he would "draw a line at ... any witch hunts or hearings that are conducted purely for partisan gains."

"Like Mr. Issa, I want to ask tough questions and ensure the highest standard from our public employees," Cummings said. "However, I will ask him not to prejudge any of these issues, nor seek answers only to confirm political leanings."