UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
econ DEFENSE PEMAEDN
WASHINGTON. on. 

JULillili'i

 

The Honorable John McCain
Chairman

Committee on Armed Services
United States Senate
Washington. DC 20510

Deaer. Chairman:

I are writing regarding the nomination of Admiral John M. Richardson, United States
Navy, for appointment to the grade of admiral and as the Chief of Naval
Operations, which is currently at the Santa. Your-staff requested the Department?s views
regarding aNmIimcs article on alleged n?sconduct by Admiral Richardson (Enclosure).

The article reported an allegation that, while serving as Director, Naval Nuclear
Propulsion Program, Department of the Navnyepartment of Energy, Admiral Richardson spent
taxpayer ?nals on publicity or propaganda to mgage in grass-roots lobbying. Such mnduct, if
substantiated, would violate title 18, U.3.C., section 1913, "Lobbying with appropriated
moneys," also known as the "Anti-Lobbying Act?; Public Law 113 - 76, "Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2014!; title 31, U.S.C., section 1301,, "Application," also known as the
"Purpose Statute?; and title 31, U.S.C., section 1341, "Limitations on expending and obligating
amounts," also known as the "Anti-De?ciency Act."

11113 Department of Defense Inspector General Investigations of Senior Of?cials (ISO)
Directorate investigated the allegation and did not substantiate the allegation. The ISO
Directorate concluded that Admiral Richardson did not spend taxpayer funds on publicity or
propaganda to engage in grass-roots lobbying and did not violate applicable standards.

There is no adverse infomation oncoming Admiral Richardson since his last Senate
con?rmation, nor is thee, to the Department?s knowledge, a pending investigation of alleged
adverse information. 

The unsubstantiated allegation against Admiral Richardson should not preclude favorable
consideration his nomination. Con?rming the nomination is clearly in the best interests of the
Department of the Navy, and the Department of Defense.

 

. . ?trust-this response will enable 1h: Com?ttee to continue pmogsing tho nominn?