3 . i?l'ill RUN itl-Elill IEL l'J?J'z'll 'l'lr'r'CI'IJi-H rtill-ll. Jill-K of- MUM Kid-1:1. .1, l?Fl-Fililti. attain lint.? A 3 t?t'lfiflh . ?Ir letut b?ltt? binatt .. COMMIWEE oN- HOMELAND secuamr AND GOVEHNMENTAL AFFAIRS WASHINGTON, or: 20510-6250 January 30, 201? The Honorable Michael Young Acting Secretary US. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 Dear Mr. Acting Secretary: I am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staf?ng at the US. Department of Agriculture during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the 1G community and the public must ?rst know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the confirmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule ?oor 1votes to con?rm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.?I Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once confirmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue rint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate con?rmation to take of?ce.? After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public Trump ?s 'Beochlreod' Teams Primed to Grab Agencies" Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 18, 2017') 2 See ag. Tramp Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 201?) (WpoliticocomlstorinOl see also Trump Reportedly installing ?Snoa'ow Cobinei? in Federal Agencies, AOL News (J an. 24, 2017) (mewaol . comlarticleln ewsl20 7ft) 1 l24ltrump?repo rtedly?instal ling- shadow?cabinet?in-federal- agenciesl21661843l). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) The Honorable Michael Young January 30, 20? Page '2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending confirmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already. without Serrateucon?rrned secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact signi?cant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended indefinitely? a reduction of- Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loans.4 That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay in a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter identi?cation law.? On January 21, 201?, the Department of Interior suspended its official Twitter account after the Department tweetcd images depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Obama.6 The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public? Media reports were unclear regarding which agency officials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to reflect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of a Senate-confirmed secretary. in order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structure please provide the following information to my office not later than close of business on February 6, 2017: l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: officials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017-0? (Jan. 20, 2017). 5 Trump DOJ Asks-for Detny in Texas Voter ID Case Due to ?Cnunge in Administration?, CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 201 7) 1 6 The interior Department Wes Ordered to Suspend TwitterAccnunts A?er Trump inauguration Tweets, Fortune (website) (Jan. 2.1, 2017) 7 Federal Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Communications, Washington Post (I an. 24, 2017) ccmmunieationsiZUl 7i01/24i9daa6aa4?e26f?i led?bal l~ 6 3 c4b4lb5a63_sto ry.htm ?utm_term= . 63 The Honorable Michael Young January 30, 2017 Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; officials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017'. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at or by phone at (202) 224?2627. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, QM NW Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable K. Pong Inspector General -I I II 1H. '1 .?h'diilIHI 1111-1:- 111' rm i" I1 '15: ptattg bEtht COMMITTEE on mt? . HOMELAND sEcunIrv AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ?1411:1111.- DC 20510-6250 January 31), 2017 The Honorable Ellen Herbst Acting Secretary US. Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20230 Dear Madam Acting Secretary: I am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staf?ng at the US. Department ofCommerce during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the 16 community and the public must first know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the con?rmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule floor votes to con?rm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhcad teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12. 01 [p m. on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.? Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration 3 Cabinet secretaries once con?rmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and Crafting the blue sprint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate con?rmation to take office. After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public I Trump ?s ?Beochheoo? Teams Primed io Grain Agencies Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 18, 2017) 2 See eg, Tramp Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017') 7110 see also Trump Reportediy Shadow Cabinet in Federal Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 201?) (Waol.comiarticleinewsi20 1 1 agenciesi21661843i). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) The Honorable Ellen Herbst January 30, 20 7 Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending con?rmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate-continued secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact signi?cant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 2017', the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended inde?nitely? a reduction of Mortgage Insurance Ptemiums for Fedelal Housing Administration insured loans That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay 1n 3. federal case examining the constitutionality or a Texas voter identi?cation law.5 On January 2017, the Department of 111te1 tor suspended its of?cial Twitte1 account atte1 the Department tweeted 1111ages depicting the6 National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald T1ump and P1 es1dent Barack Obama.6 The Environmental P1otection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public Media 1eports were unclear regarding which agency officials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to reflect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, eSpecially in the absence of a Senate-con?rmed secretary. In order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structure please provide the following information to my of?ce not later than close of business on February 6, 2017': l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing Administration, Mottgagee Letter 2017-07 (Jan. 20, 2017). 5 Tramp DOJAsicsfor Deiay in Texas Voter iD Case Due to ?Change in Administration?, CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 201?} 6 The Interior Department Was Ordered to Suspend Twitter Accounts After Tramp inauguration Tit-veers. Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 2017) Federai Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Communications, Washington Post (Jan. 24, 201 communicationsi20 7i01i24i9daa6aa4~e26f-l leti-bal 1? 63 c4b4ib5a63?sto rm=.0e563 5 The Honorable Ellen Herbst January 30, 2017' Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) official; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and reSponsibilities of each? member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: officials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of InspectOr General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at gov or by phone at (202) 224-26271 Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, NW Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Peggy E. Gustafson Inspector General Item KHAN-IVAN M. It?ii?IJ?x-? I 1' . s'ur 51-1155 ?fills-333:? PM I JUN 'l-fi ?a?il'i?x H3 I'i (i?ii?u?L: Pl- _liti 5i. - :M?v .rn?N urn-em, "ltf ?t?tt? (Flatt riAIr-ar :1 mean A Hanna: :ni-uIA (in. .. ..-.-. .. . .. . .. ON SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL THE WASHINGTON, DC 20510 E3250 January 30, 2017 Philip H. Rosenfelt Acting Secretary US. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202 Dear Mr. Acting Secretary: 1 am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staf?ng at the US. Department of Education during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the IG community and the public must ?rst know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the confirmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule ?oor votes to con?rm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in anytime after [2:01 on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.?l Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once con?rmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue rint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate con?rmation to take of?ce.? After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public I Tramp ?s ?Beaclihead Teams Primed to Grab Agencies Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 1 8, 201 7) 7ft] 1 lbeachhead- 3 3 7M). 2 See e. g. Tramp Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) see also Tramp Reportedly Insialling Shadow Cabinei? in Federal Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 2017) agenciesl21661843l). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) Philip H. Rosenfelt January 30, 201'? Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending con?rmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate-confirmed secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact signi?cant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 201?, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended indefinitely? a reduction of Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loaned That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay in a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter identi?cation lawf3 On January 21, 2017, the Department of Interior scepended its of?cial Twitter account after the Department tweeted images depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Obarna.6 The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public.T Media reports were unclear regarding which agency officials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to re?ect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of a Senate?con?rmed secretary. In order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structure please provide the following information to my of?ce not later than close of business on February 6, 2017': l. A list of and contact information {phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: officials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017?0? (J an. 20, 2017). 5 Ti-?ttmp DOJ Delay in Texas Voter 1D Case Due to Change in Administration CNN (website) (i an. 20, 2017) {3 The interior Department Was Ordered to Suspend Twitter Accounts After Tramp inauguration Tweets. Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 2017) Federal Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Communications, Washington Post (Jan. 24, 201 7) led-bal l- Philip H. Rosenfelt January 30, 2017 Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities fer acting officials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at or by phone at (202) 224-2627. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Kathleen S. Tighe Inspector General US Department of Eduction "1 ll' TAP-ilk". PH. 391:3. I I: II. iillF'T ?9th Ig- ?rs-1 M: In L??-11.7 ~11. . . II.-A w: six vii-II I run; ?It[ .. [Jtt? bruntt Maurie-La or: . .. . COMMITTEEDN HOMELAND secusnv AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS '41 PA i'I- JI. WASHINGTON, DC 20510 5251] January 30, 2017 Adam J. Szubin Acting Secretary U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20220 Dear Mr. Acting Secretary: 1 am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staf?ng at the US. Department of the Treasury during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the 1G community and the public must first know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the con?rmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule tloor votes to con?rm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12: 01 m. on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.? Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration 3 Cabinet secretaries once confirmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue errint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate confirmation to take of?ce.? After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public Trump ?5 'Beochheod Teams Primed to Grab Agencies Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 18, 2017) 2 See e. g, Trump Assembles Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) see oiso Trump Reporiedly instailing ?Sboo?ow Cobinet' in Federal Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 2017) (new. ao 1 .co miarticler?ne ws/201 agenciesi21661843i). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) (http :I?iwwpo I itico.comistoryi201 7ft} lftrumps-shadow?cabinet?Z3403 8). Adam J. Szubin January 30, 201?? Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending continuation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate-con?rmed secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact signi?cant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 2017', the Department ofHousing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had suSpended inde?nitely? a4 reduction of Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loans. That same day, the Department o1 Justice stated that it would request a delay' rn a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter 1dent1f cation law.5 On January 21, 2017', the Department of Interior suspended its of?cial Twitter account after the Department tweeted 1n1ages depicting the6 National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Obama.6 The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place for mat policies restricting certain communications with the American public. Media reports were unclear regarding which agency of?cials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to reflect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Depanmentai leadership, even in these eariy days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of a Senatetconfirmed. secretary. In order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structure please provide the following information to my of?ce not later than close of business on February 6, 2017: l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017-07 (Jan. 20, 2017). 5 Tramp DOJ Aries for Delay in Texas Voter JD Core Due to ?Chonge in Administration CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 201??) 6 The interior Department Wes Ordered to Suspend Twitter Accounts After Trump Inauguration Tweets, Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 2017) 7 Federal Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Washington Post (Jan. 24, 201 2) 1e6-ba1 l? Adam J. Szubin January 30, 2017 Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate: continued (PAS) of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team" or senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Seeretary. Please confirm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at or by phone at (202) 224-2627. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your reSpense. CC: Sincerely, @q News) Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Eric M. Thorson Inspector General US. Department of the Treasury sun IAN H. i-J 'u'J?r'fli'dIWLI Ml: l- Iie'i'u eons bt??tt I I COMMITTEE ON 'i if; i ?i I 1-13. I Li 1 I .Ii Visions!? HOMELAND SECURITY AND AFFAIRS WASHINGTON, oc 20510?6250 January 30, 20}? Dr. Grace M. Bochenek Acting Secretary U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20535 Dear Madam Acting Secretary: I am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staffing at the US. Department of Energy during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, wemust also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the IG community and the public must first know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the con?rmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule floor votes to confirm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.? Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once confirmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue rint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate confirmation to take office.? After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public Trump ?3 'Beochheod Teams Primed to Grab Agencies? Reins or Noon. Friday, Politico (Jan. 13, 2017) 2 See eg. Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) see also Trump Reportedly Installing ?Shodow Cabinet in Federal Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 2017) .comlarticl elnewsi201 7'l0 1 l2 agenciesl21661843l). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) 408 3). Dr. Grace M. Bochenek January 36, 201'? Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams" and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending confirmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate?confirmed secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions. that could adversely impact signi?cant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended inde?nitely? a reduction of Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loans.4 That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay in a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter identi?cation law.5 On January 21, 2017, the Department of Interior suspended its official Twitter account after the Department tweeted images depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Obama.?i The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public."r Media reports were unclear regarding which agency officials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with actingagency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to reflect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector General are aware of, and able to. communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of a Senate?confirmed secretary. In order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structure please provide the following information to my office not later than close of business on February 6, 201?: l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: officials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017-07 (Jan. 20, 2017). 5 Triunp DOJ Asksfor Delay in Texas Voter ID Case Due to 'Change in Administration?, CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 2017) 6 The Interior Department Was Ordered to Suspend Twitter Accounts After Trump inauguration Til-Jeers, Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 201'?) 7 Federai Agencies Ordered to Restrict their ontmunications, Washington Post (J an. 24, 201 7) communications??l Tf01t24i9daa6aa4-e26f-l led-bat 1- 63 c4b4fb5 a63 _story . 5 6fa6e0 1 Dr. Grace M. Bochenek January 30, 2017 Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS official; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at or by phone at (202) 224-2627. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ms. April G. Stephenson Acting Inspector General US. Department of Energy i. HI ?.1115 ?Hi I. Ll(?Am --I MARLAHE 7 worn; "ltt th?ttg L'atll?tt RAIN-1A., A Hm. lit'll 'vl . 51.1. . i COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND ANO GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Ml?xl': 5.1.5.11 WASHINGTON, Dc 20510-5250 January 30, 2017 K. Jack Haugrud Acting Secretary U.S. Department ofthe Interior 1849 Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Mr. Acting Secretary: 1 am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staf?ng at the US. Department of the Interior during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligatiOns, the United States Congress, the IG community and the public must ?rst know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the con?rmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule votes to con?rm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.Ml Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once con?rmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue rint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate con?rmation to take of?ce.? After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public I Tramp ?s ?Beachhead? Teams Primed to Grab Agencies? Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (J an. 18, 201?) 2 See e. g. Tramp Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) see also Tramp Reportedly ?Shadow Cabinet' in ea?erai Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 201?) (?waol . comiarti le/newsi201 7/ 0 i 24ftrump-reportedly -instal 1 in g-shadow-cabinet?in-federal- agenciesi21661343i). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) 1 8). K. Jack Haugrud January 30, 2017 Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other politicai appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending con?rmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate-confirmed secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact significant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development. reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of Amer 1can families by announcing that it had ?suspended indefinitely? a reduction of Mortgage Insurance P1emiurns toi Fedeial Housing Administration insured loans. That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would 1equest a delay in a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter identi?catio111aw.50n January 21, 2017, the Department of Inter1o1 suspended its official Twitter account after the Department tweeted 1mages depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Obarna.6 The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal poiic?ies rest1icting certain communications with the. Amelican public. Media reports were unclear regarding which agency officials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department .of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to re?ect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector Generai are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of Senate-?continued leadership. In order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structure please provide the following information to my office not later than close of business on February 6, 2017: l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017-07 (Jan. 20, 2017). 51": 11111121 D01 111-311 for Delay 1'11 Texas Voie1 if) Case Due to Change in Adminisi'raiion?, CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 2017) (http ?iiwmv cnn. doj- -voter?id? delayiindex. html). 6 The interior Department Was Ordered to Suspend Twitter AccounisA?er Tramp Inauguration 111ee1?s. Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 2017) Federai Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Communicaiions, Washington Post (J an. 24, 20 1 7) (novwwashingto contmunicationsiZOl W0 li24f9daa6aa4-e26f?l ietS?bal 1- K. Jack Haugrud January 30, 2017 Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) of?cial; officials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisors within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisors began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisors within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisors within the Office of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at or by phone at (202) 224-2627. Thank you in advance for your prempt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, gum Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ms. Mary L. Kendall Deputy Inspector General U.S. Department of the Interior IN 31?1"? "ill?k Mil-2K. I?Al'u Lill liHiil HAND A .. . 3K1 0:181:51 MI. ENFI. wvus? ?au- 'u-i?ti- 'literrace Ll IlltElCl :3th @[?att . COMMITTEEDN HOMELAND AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS oc acme-ease January 30, 2017 The Honorable Sally Q. Yates Acting Attorney General US. Department of Justice 950 Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Madam Acting Attorney General: 1 am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staffing at the US. Department of Justice during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the 1G community and the public must ?rst know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the confirmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule floor votes to con?rm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday - each team has worked out their own timing.? Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once confirmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue rint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate con?rmation to take office." After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public Trump 's 'Beaehizead Teams Primed to Grab Agencies? Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 18, 2017') 2 See e. g, Tramp Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) see also Tramp Reporieaiy ?Shadow Cabinet' in Federai Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 2017) Til) agenciesi21661343i). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) (http itico.comistoryi201 The Honorable Sally Q. Yates January 30, 2017 Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies. pending confirmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate?confirmed leadership, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact signi?cant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended indefinitely? a reduction of Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loans.4 That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay in a federal case examining the constitutionality ofa Texas voter identification law.5 On January 21, 2017, the Department of Interior suspended its official Twitter account after the Department tweeted images depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack (theme.6 The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public? Media reports were unclear regarding which agency of?cials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to reflect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies,-especially in the absence of Senate-continued leadership. In order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structure please provide the following information to my of?ce not later than close of business on February 6, 2017': l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: officials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017-07 (Jan. 20, 201?). 5 Tramp DOJAsks-for Delay in Texas Voter ID Case Due to ?Change in Administration CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 201?} ?5 The interior Department Was Ordered to Suspend Twitter Accounts A?er Tramp Inauguration Tweets. Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 2017) 7' Federai Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Communications, Washington Post (Jan. 24, 20 7t01t24t9daa6aa4-e26f-l letiebai 1- 63 c4b4ib5 ?utm_term= . 63 56fa6 e0 The Honorable Sally Q. Yates January 30, 2017 Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) of?cial, of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team, and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and reaponsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at gov or by phone at (202) 224-2627. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, Claire McCaskil Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Michael E. Horowitz Inspector General The Honm'able Sally Q. Yates January 30, 2017 Page 2 US. Department of Justice Finn. haw-1m] a t: in ?1 a: P'fl'w'l It? I. Ah?: ?uff-25:1? Hill} 3 till 'tilzllil I r'tl" I [15 Its-?m r- v.1 5? ilE'll- 'll I'd-l - KI. l' lulu - i . . 3.. 5 Fail vr- "i'lli'l?vllAl?ial ?i'lh'f'ul ll? *i?i?F?ih I'll-l tn ptatt? [n a "l 'v'l?i NUH . HOMELAND sscunrtv AND GOVERNMENTAL 1M. WASHINGTON, oc 20510-6250 January 30, 2017 Edward C. Hugler Acting Secretary US. Department of LabOr 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210 Dear Mr. Acting Secretary: 1 am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staffing at the U.S. Department of Labor during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensUre that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the IG community and the public must ?rst know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the con?rmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule floor votes to confirm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trurnp administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.?I Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once con?rmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and craftng the blueprint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate confirmation to take office.? After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public I Trump '3 ?Beaehnead? Teams Primed to Grab Agencies? Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 13, 2017) 7l01lbeachhead- 2 See e. Tramp Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 201 storyl201 'll 0lltrumps-shadow-cabinet-2 3408 see also Tramp Reportedly Installing ?Slzadaw Cabinet in Federal Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 2017') (waol .comlarticlelnewsl201 agenciesl21661843l). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) Edward C. .l'lugler January 30, 201? Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending confirmatioo of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate-continued secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact signi?cant numbers of Americans. For example, on. January 20, 2017', the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended inde?nitely? a reduction of Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loansi That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay in a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter identification law.5 On January 21, 2017, the Department of Interior suspended its official Twitter account after the Department tweeted images depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Obama.6 The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American publicf?r Media reports were unclear regarding which agency of?cials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, 'such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to reflect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of a Senate-confirmed secretary. In order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structure please provide the following information to my of?ce not later than close of business on February 6, 2017: 1. A list ofand contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017-07 (J an. 20, 2017). 5 Tramp DOJAsirsfor Delay in Texas Voter ID Case Due to ?Cimnge in Administration CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 2017') '5 The Interior Department Wes Ordered to Suspend Twitter Accounts After Inauguration Tweets. Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 2017) Federal Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Communications, Washington Post (Jan. 24, 201 7) communicationsiZOl itOli24t9daa6aa4-e26f?1 le6?ba1 1? 63 c4b4ib5a63_story.html Edward C. Hugler January 30, 2017 Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump AdministratiOn?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at Donald_S herman@hsgae.senate.gov or by phone at (202) 224-26237. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, Eat. masses) Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Scott S. Dahl Inspector General US. Department of Labor Ea?L'v" lii'tlf?si! 15, .141", AHLITINA I Hit} i'l Isl-J I: il Li 5 LAHKFT Ill-??1 I'mfa'xtfe LIM ?Il. 'll' 'Ft'Hl [mo away an .mw: --. trio; 5.1m: "hr I ?ltt ?tattg Lawns-en 1M rh- .. COMMITTEE on HOMELAND AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DC 20510 5250 January 30, 2017' The Honorable Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. Acting Secretary US. Department of State 220] Street, NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear Acting Secretary Shannon: I am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staf?ng at the US. Department of State during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the 16 community and the public must first know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the confirmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule ?oor votes to con?rm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.?' Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once confirmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blueprint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate con?rmation to take office.?3 After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public Tramp ?s ?Beaohnead Teams Primed to Grab Agencies Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 18, 2017) 2 See e. g, Assemblies a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017') (?wwpolitico.comistoryi2017ft) see also Tramp Reportedly Installing ?Shaa'ow Cabiner? in Federal Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 2017) .comiarti clefnewsi201 7ft) 1 agenciesf21661843i). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) .com/storyi201 litrump s- shadow-cabinet-23 40 83). The Honorable Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. January 30, 2017 Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending confirmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate-continued secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact signi?cant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended indefinitely" a reduction of Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loans.?jr That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay in a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter identification law.? On January 21, 2017, the Department of Interior suspended its of?cial Twitter account after the Department tweeted images depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Ohamaf The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public? Media reports were unclear regarding which agency of?cials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Altltough with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to reflect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of a Senate-confirmed secretary. In order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structure please provide the following information to my of?ce not later than close of business on February 6, 2017: l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017-0? (Jan. 20, 2017'). 5 Trump DOJAsksfor Deioy in Texas Voter it) Case Due to Change in Administration?, CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 2017) delayfindexlitml). ?3 The interior Department Was Ordered to Suspend Twitter Accounts A?er Trump inauguration Ti-veets. Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 2017) Federot Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Communications, Washington Post (Jan. 24, 2-01 es-ordered-to-restrict?their- led-bal l- 63 c4b4be a63 _story 63' The Honorable Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. January 30, 2017 Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Office of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at or by phone at (202) 224-2627. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. look forward to your response. CG: Sincerely, km Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Gevemmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Steve A. Linick Inspector General It'd"- L?Jil :l'dlu'l'ai 3'1 WHEN-1.34.11 5 vim: L'i 37051141. 'h'l a; It'm? 3' Z?u'l'f?tl?u?t i A H- lli lb Wi?ill?il EH211:5,: fishing grind-wig,? I Isa-Jinn. 11lequ I "lttd tattg ptnatt .. .. COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS WASHINGTON, DC 20510?5250 January 30, 2017 Michael P. Huerta Acting Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC. 20590 Dear Mr. Acting Secretary: 1 am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staf?ng at the US, Department of Transportation during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the 1G community and the public must first know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the con?rmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule floor votes to confirm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.?1 Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once confirmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue rint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate con?rmation to take office.? After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other political appointments and I Tramp ?s ?Beachhead Teams Primed to Grab Agencies Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 18, 2017) 2 See eg, Tramp Assemblies a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) see also Trump Reportedly Shadow Cabinet' in Federal Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 201?) (W. aol . comiartic leine wsi201 agenciesi21661843f). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) Michael P. Huerta January 30, 2017 Page 2 what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending con?rmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate-con?rmed secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact signi?cant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended inde?nitely? a reduction of Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loans .4 That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay in a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter identification law.5 On January 21, 2017, the Department of Interior suspended its of?cial Twitter account after the Department tweeted images depicting the National Mall during the, inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Obamaf? The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public.7 Media reports were unclear regarding which agency of?cials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership wehpages to re?ect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people. need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of a Senate-confirmed secretary. In order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structure please provide the following information to my of?ce not later than close of business on February 6, 2017: 1. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate confirmed (PAS) of?cial; ?1 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017?07 (Jan. 20, 2017'). 5 Tramp DOJ Aslerfor Delay in Texas Voter ID Case Due to ?Change in Administration CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 2017') "3 The interior Department Was Ordered to Suspend Twitter Accounts A?er Tramp Inauguration Tt-reeis, Fortune (website) (J an. 21, 2017) 7 Federai Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Washington Post (Jan. 24, 201 7) le6-bal l- 63 c4b4fb5a63 _story. 63 Michael P. Huerta January 30, 2017 Page 3 of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Office of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?heachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please confirm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at or by phone at (202) 224-2627. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response, CC: Sincerely, Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Calvin L. Scovel Inspector General US. Department of Transportation 2N. (s ll?ji-IH In 1:!th . It?. -. . :9 11: I Hal?s-AN. . l-Iix o'er-HIE v- 4111'". AMJTA As: .ANH risrAIirL-ua .'ll Itr HH I ?.71 univt?un-i-N-e :3.th harm-tam Adm it"m 3331 [Wild bt?tt? [Hill]: COMMITTEEON malfi?i; SECURITY AND GOVEHN ME NTAL AFFAIRS or: 20510?43250 January 30, 2017 Catherine R. McCabe Acting Administrator US. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Ave. NW Washington, DC 20460 Dear Madam Acting Administrator: I am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staf?ng at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the IG community and the public must ?rst know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the con?rmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule floor votes to con?rm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.?' Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once confirmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue rint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate con?rmation to take office." After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public Trump ?3 'Beachhead' Teams Primed to Grab Agencies Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 1 8, 201?) 2 See e. g, Tramp Assembies a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) see also Tramp Reportedly Installing ?Shadow Cabinet? in. Federal Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 2017) (Weol .comi articlefnewsi 20 1 7i 0 f24itrump-reportedly-instal in g-shadow-cabinet-in-federal? ageirciesf21661843i). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) Catherine R. McCabe January 30, 2017 Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams" and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending con?rmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already. without Senate-confirmed leadership, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact signi?cant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended indefinitely" a reduction of Mortgage insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loansf? That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay in a federal case examining the. constitutionality of a Texas voter identi?cation law.5 On January 21, 2017, the Department of Interior suspended its of?cial Twitter account after the Department tweeted images depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Ohama.6 The EPA and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public? Media reports were unclear regarding which agency of?cials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to reflect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of Senate-confirmed leadership. In order to better understand current leadership structure please provide the following information to my of?ce not later than close of business on February 6, 2017: l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: officials appointed in an acting capacity a" Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017?07 (Jan. 20, 2017). 5 Tramp DOJ Asks for Delay in Tenor Voter ID Case Due to ?Change in Administration?, CNN (website) (Jan. 20,2017) '5 The Interior Department Was Ordered to Suspend Accounts After Trump Inauguration Tweets. Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 2017) Federal Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Communications, Washington Post (Jan. 24, 201 7) communicationst201 W0 lt?24t9daa6aa4?e26f-l le6?bal l? 63 c4b4tb 63 Catherine R. McCabe January 30, 2017 Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate continued (PAS) of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Office of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhcad team? or senior advisers within the Office of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Office of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting officials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisors within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con? rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at Donalngherman@hsgacsenate. gov or by phone at (202) 224-262 Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Arthur A. Elkins, Jr. Inspector General US. Environmental Protection Agency Jill-"v? IN, .IN HLIW "at. 'l Ml Me?il'il'mHL! vvuun new ?ew 3L. 3?15 flu-Hm- [natt :in is ran-emu drawer LAI "ltt I COMMITTEE ON Tf-j'. AFFAIRS no 20510. 5250 January 30, 2017 Norris W. Cochran Acting Secretary US Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC. 20201 Dear Mr. Acting Secretary: 1 am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staf?ng at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal govermnent remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the 16 community and the public must first know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the con?rmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule floor votes to confirm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.?l Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once confirmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides "have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue rint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate con?rmation to take of?ce.? After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public Tramp 's ?Beaehhead Teams Primed to Grab Agencies? Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 18, 2017) 2 See e. Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) see also Tramp Reportedly Installing ?Shadow Cabinet? in Federal Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 201?) agenciesf21661843i). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) Norris W. Cochran January 30, 201?' Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending confirmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate-confirmed secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact significant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended indefinitely? a reduction of Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loans} That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay in a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter identi?cation law.3 On January 21, 2017, the Department of Interior suspended its of?cial Twitter account after the Department tweeted images depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Baraclt Charting The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public? Media reports were unclear regarding which agency officials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this Writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership wehpages to reflect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of a Senate-con?rmed secretary. In order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structtu'e please provide the following information to my of?ce not later than close of business on February 6, 201?: l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity ?1 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2013107 (Jan. 20, 2017'). 5 Trump DOJ Asks-for Delay in Texas Voter ID Case Due to in Administration CNN (website) (.1 an. 20, 201?) 6 The Interior Department Wes Ordered to Suspend Twitter Accounts After Trump inauguration T111883. Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 2017') 7' Federal Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Conrmunicutions, Washington Post (Jan. 24, 201 7] 1? Norris W. Cochran January 30, 20? Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) official; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team" or senior advisors within the Of?ce of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at or by phone at (202) 224-2627. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, km Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Daniel R. Levinson Inspector General US. Department of Health and Human Services ?13.x am In - AF :7:va I. run; I -- IA: I new. r.L -. t-L ?he's-1P 7.0- 7t- I :2 R. aw aver-imam: tir'tlt?l'l' . *Ir bt?tt? COMMITTEE ON HOME LAND AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS oc January 30, 2017 Craig T. Clemmensen Acting Secretary US. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 ?Nb Street, SW Washington, DC. 20410 Dear Mr. Acting Secretary: 1 am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staf?ng at the US. Department of Housing and Urban Development during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the 1G community and the public must ?rst know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the con?rmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule ?oor votes to con?rm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday 4 each team has worked out their own timing.?l Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once con?rmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue rint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate con?rmation to take office.? After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public Tramp ?s ?Beachheaa? Teams Primed to Grab Agencies? Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 13, 2017) 2 See e. g, Trump Assembles Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) see also Tramp Reportedly ?Shadow Cabinet in Federal Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 201?) (wool . comiarticlefnewsiZO agencies/216613431). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) Craig T. Clenunensen January 30, 201? Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams" and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending continuation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate?confirmed secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact signi?cant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 20137, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended indefinitely? a reduction of Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loans.4 That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a dela}r in a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter identi?cation law.5 On January 21, 2017, the Department of interior suspended its of?cial Twitter account after the Department tweeted images depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Obama. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public? Media reports were unclear regarding which agency of?cials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this uniting, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to reflect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of a Senate-confirmed secretary. In order to better understand the Department?s current leadership structure please provide the following information to my of?ce not later than close of business on February 6, 2017: l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017-0? (Jan. 20, 2017). 5 Trump Asksfor Delay in Texas Voter ID Case Due to hangs in Administration CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 2017') (l The Interior Department Was Ordered to Suspend Twitter Accounts After Trump Inauguration Titveets. Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 2017) Federal Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Communications, Washington Post (Jan. 24, 20] 7) communications?fll t24t9daa6aa4-e26f?l led?bal 1- Craig T. Clemmensen January 30, 2017 Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Office of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending continuation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Office of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at Donald_S herman@hsgac.senategov or by phone at (202) 224-2627. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable David A. Montoya Inspector General US. Department of Housing and Urban Development 5in NH .1 HI .L: . NI .rm; Ira, Jami I I'Hxl rIi-?I: ?iifi-l-?tl . INFI ?rm I Nib-"ii? 'Hl F. I: "rF. fro-Iii?. .. ?Win?, A ll?I?I?l :tie: r.-1.I Ion-1N filH?: air-ti I ll N?hliti?-IF?FT wot Li vast-AN. NI Ivhli'i3L-l- s: I "ltt L"tattg E3 [natt 'I'vi? lii'iiNLL. RINK-1.11. A Ilnli'lt""~ In. HOMELAND SECURITY AND AFFAIRS Lil?ll 'ilFll". WASHINGTON. DC 20510 5250 January 30, 2017 Joseph P. Loddo Acting Administrator Small Business Administration 409 3rd Street, SW Washington, DC 20416 Dear Mr. Acting Administrator: I am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staf?ng at the US. Small Business Administration (SBA) during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees fer cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the community and the public must ?rst know who is leading decision-making and operations at federal agencies. While the con?rmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule ?oor votes to con?rm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday each team has worked out their ovm timing.?l Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once confirmed.2 According to a report by Politico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue rint of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate confirmation to take of?ce.? After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public Trump ?3 'Beachbead Teams Primed to Grab Agencies? Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 18, 201??) 2 See cg, Trump Ass-embies a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) see also Tramp Reportediy ?Sbadow Cabinet in Federai Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 201?) (navwaol.comiarticleinewsiZO1 agenciesi21661843i). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) Joseph P. Loddo January 30, 2017 Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending con?rmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senate?confirmed leadership, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact significant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended indefinitely" a reduction of Mortgage insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loans.4 That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay in a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter identi?cation law.5 On January 21, 2017, the Department of Interior suspended its official Twitter account after the Department tweeted images depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Ohama.6 The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public.T Media reports were unclear regarding which agency of?cials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to re?ect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the Inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of Senate-con?rmed leadership. In order to better understand current leadership structure please provide the following information to my of?ce not later than close of business on February 6, 201?: l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017-07 (Jan. 20, 2017). 5 ?Trump DOJ Asksfor Deiay in Texas Voter it} Case Due to ?Change in Administration CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 201i) ?5 The interior Department Was Ordered to Suspend Twitter Acco unis A?er Trump inauguration Tweets. Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 201?) 7 Federal Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Communications, Washington Post (I an. 24, 201 7) communications??l "till i i24i9daa6aa4?e26f-l 1e6-ba11- 63c4b4fb5a63_story. 635 Joseph P. Loddo January 30, 20] 7" Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Office of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending confirmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team, and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at or by phone at (202) 224-2627. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, @k?mg Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Mr. Hannibal ?Mike" Ware Acting InSpector General US Small Business Administration nun, var-3r: ms 2 VHAIHr-itrv-v n-N trim. . mm m. arse-Hun us. nu Woo-1L . er'rlm sci-t risv'e HF oasu'A I l?Jr'tv-Jc'u tr.- rm. ., as. iris: lettfl ports :7 [?att 1 ON i. u-i: 'l "4 . HOMELAND SEcualTv AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFA1RS WASHINGTON, DC 20510 6250 January 30, 2017 Robert D. Snyder Acting Secretary US. Department ofVeterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420 Dear Mr. Acting Secretary: I am writing to request information regarding leadership positions and other critical staffing at the US. Department of Veterans Affairs during this period of Presidential transition. As the Senate considers President Trump?s nominees for cabinet posts, we must also ensure that the federal government remains open and provides necessary services to the American people. In order to meet these oversight obligations, the United States Congress, the 10 community and the public must first know who is leading decision?making and operations at federal agencies. While the confirmation process remains ongoing, it is unclear when Senate leadership will schedule ?oor votes to con?rm several of President Trump?s cabinet nominees or who is directing critical decisions at our federal agencies in their absence. Despite this uncertainty, the Trump administration has already deployed hundreds of political appointees to federal agencies to begin work. A spokesperson for the Trump administration reported that: ?We have approximately 520 individuals on the beachhead teams and they have worked with the agencies to go in any time after 12:01 [pm] on Friday each team has worked out their own timing.?' Media reports also indicate that the White House has hired senior aides within federal agencies to monitor the administration?s Cabinet secretaries once con?rmed.2 According to a report by Poiirico, these aides ?have already been responsible for hiring at some departments and crafting the blue rim of Trump policy before the Cabinet members win Senate confirmation to take office." After this spate of hiring, critical details remain unclear to the American public Tramp ?s ?Beaehiiead Teams Primed to Grab Agencies? Reins at Noon Friday, Politico (Jan. 13, 201??) 2 See ag, Tramp Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017') see also Tramp Reportedly Insiafiirig ?Shaa?ow Cabiaei? in Federal Agencies, AOL News (Jan. 24, 201?) (wool .comiarticleinewsiZO 1 i214:f federal - agenciesi21661 8431?). 3 Trump Assembles a Shadow Cabinet, Politico (Jan. 24, 2017) (http :i/wmvpolitico.comistoryi201 1 {trumps-shadow-cabinet?23408 3). Robert D. Snyder January 30, 2017 Page 2 including who comprises the agency ?beachhead teams? and other political appointments and what function these appointees serve relative to the individuals currently in acting positions at federal agencies, pending con?rmation of the President?s nominees for cabinet positions. Already, without Senatencon?rmed secretaries, federal agencies in the Trump Administration are making decisions that could adversely impact significant numbers of Americans. For example, on January 20, 201?, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reversed a decision to help expand access to affordable housing to thousands of American families by announcing that it had ?suspended indefinitely? a reduction of Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Federal Housing Administration insured loansf1 That same day, the Department of Justice stated that it would request a delay in a federal case examining the constitutionality of a Texas voter identification laws On January 21, 2017, the Department of Interior suspended its of?cial Twitter account after the Department tweeted images depicting the National Mall during the inauguration of President Donald Trump and President Barack Obama. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture also put in place formal policies restricting certain communications with the American public? Media reports were unclear regarding which agency officials were involved in directing any of these decisions. Although with any Presidential transition federal agencies maintain continuity of leadership with acting agency and program heads, as of this writing, some agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, have not updated their leadership webpages to reflect current agency leadership appointed in an acting capacity. It is critically important that Congress and the inspector General are aware of, and able to communicate with all Departmental leadership, even in these early days of the new administration. More importantly, the American people need to know who is accountable for the decisions made by federal agencies, especially in the absence of a Senate-confirmed secretary. In order to better understand the Department ofVeterans Affairs? current leadership structure please provide the following information to my office not later than close of business on February 6, 201?: l. A list of and contact information (phone and email address) for the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity 4 Federal Housing- Administration, Mortgagee Letter 2017-0? (Jan. 20, 20.17). 5 Tramp DOJ Asicrfor Delay in Texas Voter ID Case Due to rChange in Administration?, CNN (website) (Jan. 20, 2017') '5 The Interior Department Was Oro?erear to Suspend Twitter Accounts A?er Tramp inauguration Tweets. Fortune (website) (Jan. 21, 2017) {fortunecomiZUl WDIiZliinterior- 7 Federal Agencies Ordered to Restrict their Communications, Washington Post (Jan. 24, 201??) (W. communications/2G1 7i01i24i9daa6aa4-e26f?l leIS-bal l? 63 c4b4fb5 a63 _story . 5 mrn=l Robert D. Snyder January 30, 2017' Page 3 pending con?rmation of a presidentially appointed, Senate con?rmed (PAS) of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; List when the members of the Department?s ?beachhead? team and senior advisers began working at the Department, and explain whether any or all members of the Department?s ?beachhead team? or senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary have received required ethics training and submitted applicable ethics disclosures; Provide all documents referring or relating to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the Department?s senior leadership team including, but not limited to: of?cials appointed in an acting capacity pending con?rmation of a PAS of?cial; of?cials appointed as members of the Trump Administration?s ?beachhead? team; and any political appointees hired as senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary; and Explain whether the Department has in place appropriate Delegation of Authority documents or any other documents outlining authorities for acting of?cials, members of the ?beachhead? team; and senior advisers within the Of?ce of the Secretary. Please con?rm that you have also provided the above requested information to the Department?s Of?ce of Inspector General not later than close of business on February 6, 2017. Should you have any questions regarding this inquiry, please contact Donald Sherman on my staff at or by phone at (202) 224-2627. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to your response. CC: Sincerely, Claire McCaskill Ranking Member Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee The Honorable Michael J. Missal Inspector General US. Department of Veterans Affairs