On September 3, a House Oversight subcommittee invited Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to testify about potential misuse of over $1 billion in federal funding for homelessness, managed by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). The subcommittee's inquiry raised concerns about "waste, fraud, and abuse."
Despite the invitation, Mayor Bass's office announced she would not attend the hearing scheduled for September 15, citing a scheduling conflict. No specific reason for her absence was provided, and it is unclear what alternate commitment she has. Bass's legal counsel mentioned that her office is cooperating by providing requested documents related to the funding and its management.
This decision to avoid giving testimony has drawn criticism, especially following her previous absence due to attending an inauguration in Ghana while wildfires affected Los Angeles. Many are questioning where the significant federal funds went, as homelessness remains a pressing issue in the city, alongside reports of corruption and mismanagement related to the funding.
The situation has led to calls for transparency from Bass, with some suggesting that she may need to be subpoenaed to ensure her appearance. Currently, she faces opposition from Councilwoman Nithya Raman in the upcoming election, who has controversial views on city policies. Overall, Bass’s handling of the crisis continues to be met with skepticism from the public.
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