Chairman Brian Babin and Oversight Subcommittee Chair Rich McCormick launched an investigation into alleged misconduct within the civil rights offices of multiple federal science agencies. Letters were sent to DOE, EPA, NASA, NIST, NRC, NOAA, and NSF following reports of obstructionism and failure to enforce civil rights laws tied to federal grants.
The Committee cited concerns that some Office of Civil Rights (OCR) leaders discouraged staff from pursuing investigations and may have misrepresented their legal authority. The inquiry seeks records on enforcement activity, whistleblower complaints, and internal accountability since January 2025.
Lawmakers warned that any breakdown in OCR oversight could compromise the integrity of civil rights enforcement across the federal research enterprise. Agencies were given a December 19 deadline to respond, signaling the Committee’s intent to escalate oversight if necessary.