Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, under intense scrutiny from Senators Tom Udall, Pat Leahy, and Chris Van Hollen, Scott Pruitt floundered when attempting to justify his scandals and corrupt behavior that has resulted in 16 investigations. In the process, he admitted to violating federal law when pressed. Some of the lowlights:
In response to questions from Senator Tom Udall, Pruitt admitted to not paying his staff for time spent searching for his apartments, meaning Pruitt accepted a gift in violation of federal law.
Senator Udall pointed out that Pruitt is also in violation of the law for not reporting his lavish office furniture spending to Congress.
Senator Pat Leahy noted that Pruitt has become a “laughing stock” for his numerous scandals.
Pruitt admitted to the creation of a legal defense fund, even though he has not yet been charged with a crime.
Pruitt denied that his staff attempted to attack Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, even though Donald Trump has criticized Pruitt over this issue.
Pruitt admitted that the current Trump Administration budget cuts Superfund dollars
Dictionary.com used Senator Leahy’s hard hitting opening statements calling out Pruitt’s first class flights to help define the phrase “let fly”
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
“Today, the swamp got even deeper as Pruitt dug himself a bigger whole by admitting he broke yet another federal law. Pruitt’s testimony made it clear that if Donald Trump wants to drain the swamp, he needs to fire Pruitt immediately."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.