Senators to DOJ: Hold MMS Accountable
In other MMS-related news…two Senators have written to the Attorney General expressing their concern about the lack of criminal charges being pursued by the Justice Department in response to the evidence turned up by the IG.
Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and Ken Salazar (D-CO) noted that:
Given the vast sums of money and vital energy interests administered by this office, these allegations of systematic corruption are shocking and outrageous. As Congress prepares to make important policy decisions to deal with the looming energy crisis, we believe it is crucial to restore accountability for those who administer our energy policy.
According to media reports, one retired official has pleaded guilty to a conflict of interest charge in connection with this investigation, but the Department of Justice has declined to prosecute the two highest ranking officials named in the reports. Given the Inspector General's findings of serious and pervasive wrongdoing within the Minerals Management Service, we hope that you will continue to investigate and consider whether criminal charges are justified and that you will promptly bring any charges determined to be appropriate.
Given that the MMS office being criticized is from Salazar's home state, and that Leahy is chairman of the Justice Department's primary oversight committee, their letter demanding explanation of the basis for DOJ's decisions should carry considerable weight.
-- Beverley Lumpkin
Why not send this information to MSNBC Chris Mathews and Keith Olberman?
They might not be fully informed by theirown staff about this.
Bob...
Posted on: Sep 18, 2008 at 08:49 PM