Gov't Watchdog Ends Probe Of Zinke's Threats To Senators Over O'Care Repeal Vote

[DonViejo]

Source: Talking Points Memo




By ALICE OLLSTEIN Published AUGUST 30, 2017 5:01 PM

Unable to get either Alaska senator to spill the beans about allegations that a member of President Trump’s cabinet threatened funding to their state in order to secure their votes on a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act, a government watchdog is closing his investigation into the matter.

As the White House scrambled unsuccessfully in July to whip the votes for the health care repeal bill, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke allegedly called both of Alaska’s Republican senators—Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan—and communicated a “troubling message” about future federal dollars for their state if they didn’t fall in line.

The ham-handed gambit backfired spectacularly. Murkowski, who chairs the committee that controls the Interior Department’s budget and confirmation process, defiantly voted against the Obamacare repeal bill, noting that she is “strong and independent” and would not bow to intimidation.

Though Murkowski and Zinke later made a show of making amends over a beer, other members of Congress found the episode disturbing, and demanded a federal inquiry.

Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/zinke-murkowski-trump-threat-investigation-closed

[turbinetree]

1. Way to go Liza, you voted for this hypocrite to be in the position, he attacks you

and now he is in a position of power, and now he wants to take public lands in Alaska and around the country and just give it to corporate interest, while the tundra is sinking into the proverbial ground and is melting away in Alaska ----------------- and then all it took was a beer....................amazing independence can be had for a beer


F*ck this BS

[BlueMTexpat]

4. Bad as she is,

at least she did vote the right way that one time.

But she's an R so not to be trusted.

[red dog 1]

2. Interior Department Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall is a coward!

(From the OP)
"Both Senators Murkowski and Sullivan declined to be interviewed or to provide statements regarding the matter," Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall wrote.
"The OIG does not believe that it could meaningfully investigate the matter further."

(From Office of Inspector General, US Department of the Interior)
OUR MISSION
"The mission of the OIG is to provide independent oversight and to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within the programs, operations, and MANAGEMENT of the Department of the Interior."

"To promote Excellence, integrity, and accountability"??
I don't think so.
Mary Kendall is a coward!

(Again, from the OP):
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zimke allegedly called Sullivan and Murkowski and communicated a 'troubling message' about future federal dollars for their state if they didn't fall in line."
Is that an example of Zimke "promoting excellence, integrity, and accountability" in his management of the Interior Department?

Can you imagine how Congressional Republicans would have reacted if this happened while Obama was POTUS?

[riversedge]

3. If neither Senator will provide testimony, what can she do??

[not fooled]

5. Oh, yeah

The puke organized crime gang has to stick together. Can't squeal on one another.



Also, however, I suspect the current puke phalanx in congress has Federal employees cowed. After all, dump and congressional pukes have openly threatened their existence and dissed their work. he's nothing but a koch brothers tool in that respect.

[raven mad]

6. Lisa will NOT be happy about this -

Zinke made a tough enemy in Sen. Murkowski. They "made amends"............. LOL! Lisa is one who ALWAYS figures revenge is best served cold.

I don't blame her, actually, for "falling in line" (NOT) for now. It'll change. She's much more independent than repuke. Sullivan?? Who knows, he goes with the flow of the river.