House GOP leaders prepare strategy for incoming Democratic probes

The House is set to change hands in the new Congress, prompting Republican leadership to prepare for an increase in congressional oversight. Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana sent a letter to current committee chairs on Thursday. The document provides a strategy for managing the shift in power.

Scalise urged the chairs to use their remaining time to prepare for the investigations Democrats are expected to launch. He warned that the new majority plans to use its oversight authority aggressively. Scalise wrote that Democrats intend to impeach President Trump and target his family, cabinet officials, and allies.

The letter outlines three main tasks for the committee chairs. First, they should take inventory of investigations that Democrats have already started or are likely to start. Second, they must identify who is on the target list. Third, they need to review how recent Supreme Court rulings and a Justice Department memo on executive privilege might affect future inquiries.

Potential targets include administration officials, government programs, and external partners such as conservative groups and industry leaders. Scalise noted that his staff would meet with relevant committees to continue these preparations. He offered additional tools or support to the chairs as they undertook this effort.

Democrats have signaled a sweeping agenda for their first year in control. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, who is expected to lead the House Oversight Committee, issued a statement Tuesday night. He advised the administration to "Lawyer up." His committee plans to pursue what it calls the Trump Crime Family, corporate corruption, and abuses by the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A spokeswoman for House Judiciary Committee Democrats responded to the letter. She said the Republican move looks like an effort to list the corruption they have previously protected from oversight. She added that the people have spoken and the cover-up ends with the Republican majority.

The letter arrived one day after Scalise announced his bid for the position of House minority leader. He faces a challenge from House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio in that contest. Fox News Digital reached out to members of the House Oversight Committee for comment on the developments.