EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is being accused by Rhode Island Democratic U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of violating federal law by delivering a keynote address at a fundraiser set to be held next month by the Oklahoma Republican party.
The Senator filed a complaint this week alleging Pruitt, the former Oklahoma Attorney General, of violating the Hatch Act.
In the letter to the independent U.S. Office of Special Counsel, Senator Whitehouse cited the invitation to the May 5 event at a Baptist church in Moore. A VIP reception will cost $50 while the dinner costs $100 and sponsors can spend up to $5,000.
Whitehouse said “the unmistakable impression one receives from the May 5 invitation is that by purchasing a ticket or agreeing to sponsor the OKGOP Gala, the attendee will have special access to a federal employee discussing official actions already taken, and to be taken in the future.”
The Senator said the invitation stated, “You do not want to miss Pruitt at this year’s OKGOP Gala, as he discusses his plans to slash regulations, bring back jobs to Oklahoma, and decrease the size of the EPA!”
The Hatch Act is designed to limit certain political activities of federal employees and bars executive branch employees from using their office or influence to interfere with elections including by campaign for candidates or using their titles in connection with fundraising.
