Everyone on the House Small Business Committee is mad at Janet Yellen over testimony no-show

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen incidentally inspired some bipartisanship in the House on Wednesday when she didn't appear to testify before the House Small Business Committee about COVID-19 relief funding. The pushback to the no-show, PBS' Lisa Desjardins notes, is "unusual."

Republican members, perhaps unsurprisingly, were vocal about their displeasure. Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), for example, called it a "slap in the face to small businesses." But Democrats were unhappy, as well. Rep. Nydia Valazquez (D-N.Y.), the committee chair, said that by declining to appear, Yellen is "in complete disregard for the law," likely referring to stipulations in December's relief package.

Per Fox News, the Treasury Department explained that Yellen has a packed schedule these days, implying it was too tough to slot in Wednesday's hearing. Velazquez and the committee's GOP ranking member, Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.), told PBS they understand Yellen is busy, but maintained their insistence that she testify.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up