Dem attacks GOP oversight of Energy Dept.

WASHINGTON, March 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings says House Republicans have used unsubstantiated charges to justify investigations of Energy Department programs.

Cummings, D-Md., in a letter Monday to Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that has opened 11 inquiries into projects, including the $535 million loan guarantee for Solyndra, said many of the investigations have "been based on unsubstantiated allegations that proved inaccurate after further investigation."

"As a result of our committee's extremely broad jurisdiction, we have a tremendous opportunity to perform constructive oversight of the Department of Energy and the energy industry to promote the bipartisan goal of energy independence for our nation," Cummings said in the letter.

"Over the past year, however, you have launched 11 investigations into the department and its employees, sent at least 46 document requests, and received more than 300,000 pages of documents, and unfortunately many of these investigations have been based on unsubstantiated allegations that proved inaccurate after further investigation.

Cummings said Issa has admitted "[going] down blind alleys regularly."

"Although I fully support aggressive oversight to ensure that government programs work effectively and efficiently, I believe the committee should refrain from making accusations without evidence to support them and should correct the record when claims turn out to be inaccurate," Cummings said.