Oklahoma congressman Frank Lucas is one of those on a U.S. House Committee wanting to know more details about what led to Monday’s resignation of Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Eric Lander following POLITICO’s article about Lander’s inappropriate behavior toward his staff.
The story not only prompted House Committee on Science and Technology members Rep. Lucas and Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, a Democrat from Texas to ask for more details, it eventually led to Lander’s resignation Monday night. He as the Ranking Republican on the committee and she, as chairwoman of the committee sent a letter to President Biden hours before Lander wrote a resignation letter to the President.
Reps. Lucas and Johnson are seeking a copy of the investigation report and a briefing on the steps being taken to ensure the workforce environment at OSTP is safe, respectful, and furthers the Office’s critical missions.
“As the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, it is our top priority to ensure that federal science agencies are equipped to meet the challenges facing our nation,” said Chairwoman Johnson and Ranking Member Lucas in the letter. “A fully functioning OSTP is vital to the success of that effort. The behavior described in the Politico article and acknowledged by OSTP Director Lander is harmful to the workforce of OSTP as they attempt to carry out their responsibilities.”
Lander quit after an investigation showed he violated the administration’s workplace policy, bullying his former general counsel. He l
ater apologized for speaking to OSTP staff in “a disrespectful or demeaning way,” reported
Axios.Last year after taking office, President Biden warned staffers and others to treat everyone with respect or else “I will fire you on the spot.”
In his resignation letter, Lander wrote, “I am devastated that I caused hurt to past and present colleagues by the way in which I have spoken to them.”
“That was never my intention. Nonetheless, it is my fault and my responsibility,” he added.
