The latest revelation about EPA Chief Scott Pruitt’s demand for round-the-clock security from day one in office could be more fuel for his critics as he testified this week before a U.S. Senate Committee.
Pruitt is to testify Wednesday before the Senate Appropriations-Interior-Environment Panel and observers expect it to be another confrontational hearing, much like what happened last month when he testified before two House committees.
What could be more ammunition for those who want Pruitt removed from the EPA is a report that from the very first day he became head of the agency, the former Oklahoma Attorney General requested an expensive security detail. It’s what the EPAs watchdog told one lawmaker this week.
EPA Inspector General Arthur A. Elkins Jr., in a May 14 letter said the decision was made by the agency’s Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics and Training. It came after Pruitt had requested such protection to start once he was confirmed.
Who asked for the information? Delaware Democratic Senator Tom Carper, one of Pruitt’s long-standing critics since day one.
“EPA’s Protective Service Detail handles security decisions and this particular decision was made before Administrator Pruitt arrived at EPA,” said agency spokesman Jahan Wilcox in reply to Carper’s query about how and why Pruitt got 24-hour protection.
The Wednesday appearance by Pruitt is to be an examination of the EPA’s fiscal 2019 budget. But no doubt, Democrats will use it as an opportunity to continue their assault on his travel and security spending.
