Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, delivered the following statement during a National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Subcommittee hearing entitled, “Evaluating the Defense Production Act.”

“Thank you very much.

The Defense Production Act (DPA) is America’s law that mobilizes our nation’s resources, helping to meet challenges like war, pandemics, or natural disasters. It gives the president extraordinary authority to prioritize, allocate, and boost production of critical materials, services, and facilities.

And, in the hands of someone willing to bend, break, or disregard the law, it is concerning. Donald Trump has abused the International Economic Emergency Powers Act to launch his trade war. He’s abused the Alien Enemies Act to declare war against migrants. He’s abusing Title 10 in sending troops onto LA’s streets. Someone with such disregard for the law might use the DPA to hurt civil protestors or reward his crypto investors. Given these novel abuses, we must consider novel ways to protect DPA’s important activities and enhance our oversight.

Thank you, and I yield back.”

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