Kristi Noem is NOT above the law!

I am writing to express profound outrage and disbelief at the conduct displayed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in recent congressional hearings. The American people deserve honesty, transparency, and accountability from those entrusted with safeguarding our national security—not evasiveness, misleading statements, or abrupt departures in the middle of sworn testimony. Why is Secretary Noem being permitted to disregard the most basic standards of accountability that every other public servant is required to uphold? Her behavior conveys the insulting notion that she is somehow above Congress, above oversight, and above the law. She is not. When a Cabinet official appears before Congress, they are doing so on behalf of the American public. Any instance—real or perceived—of refusing to answer questions, providing incomplete or misleading testimony, or walking out mid-hearing is wholly unacceptable. It undermines confidence in our institutions and signals to the country that some officials believe they can operate without consequence. Congress must enforce its constitutional oversight authority. You have the responsibility—and the tools—to demand truthful, complete testimony. You have the power to compel answers, to hold officials accountable, and to ensure that no secretary, no matter their title or political alignment, can treat the legislative branch as optional. So I ask plainly: • Why is Secretary Kristi Noem being allowed to provide testimony that members have repeatedly described as evasive or misleading? • Why is she permitted to exit ongoing hearings without completing her obligation to the committees and the public? • And most importantly, what does Congress plan to do to ensure that this behavior stops immediately? The American people expect and deserve a government that respects oversight, respects the truth, and respects the Constitution. If a Cabinet official cannot meet those basic expectations, Congress must act—swiftly and decisively. We are watching. And we expect you to uphold the integrity of the institutions you serve.