Hoyer: Trump Transition Questionnaire Raises Serious Concerns about Motivation, Possible Retribution

 

"I am alarmed by the questionnaire sent by the Trump transition team to the Department of Energy seeking the names of career civil servants who have worked on climate change policy. This raises serious concerns as to the motivation of such a request and raises questions of possible retribution for following President Obama's policies. 

 

"Civil servants are directed to implement the policies of the President, and they do so with distinction. We expect them to do so with fidelity to policy and to apply their expertise on behalf of those policies. 

 

"To conduct an inquiry targeting individuals for the work they were directed to carry out, based on the latest and most rigorous scientific research, is troubling. It also raises questions as to whether or not the Trump Administration intends to pursue their policy objectives without considering the substantive work and opinions of those who are charged with the responsibility of developing and implementing energy policy. 

 

"I will be following this issue closely and will fight for the rights of federal employees to be respected and protected in doing their duties properly. I hope leaders from both parties will respect our nation's nonpartisan career civil servants who have served administrations of both political parties professionally and ably."