Cornyn: Waxman practicing ‘intimidation tactics’ against insurers

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) accused House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) of engaging in “intimidation tactics” in reaction to a letter he sent to several private insurance companies requesting financial data.

The second-term senator made his comments using Twitter on Wednesday:

Timing of Waxman demand letter to insurance industry smacks of intimidation tactics. What’s next? An IRS audit?

The letter dated Monday said that the committee is investigating “executive compensation and other business practices in the health insurance industry.” Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee chairman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) co-signed the letter with Waxman.

A Stupak spokesman said 52 letters were sent to the nation’s largest health insurance companies, some of which oppose the current healthcare reform legislation, the AP reported.

Cross-posted to the Briefing Room