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Kaptur Calls on Secretary Perry to Comply with Congressional Subpoenas

November 1, 2019


Washington, D.C. — Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, with jurisdiction over the Department of Energy, and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus delivered the following statement on the floor of the House of Representatives calling on Energy Secretary Rick Perry to comply with lawful Congressional subpoenas:

Madam Speaker,

I rise to express deep concern about the timing of Secretary Rick Perry's resignation and his simultaneous refusal to provide key information on his many trips to Ukraine, more than any other cabinet member. He has played a central role in U.S.-Ukraine relations throughout the Trump Presidency. Thus far, Secretary Perry has refused to cooperate with lawful subpoenas issued to him by the Intelligence Committee and other Committees of this Congress.

As Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, while I've had a productive relationship with Secretary Perry in the past, from strengthening our national labs to supporting a growing range of energy solutions, I feel his recent behavior raises serious questions.

Madam Speaker, American taxpayers have a right to know what Secretary Perry was doing on his frequent travel to Ukraine as a public servant beholden to the public trust. Americans have a right to know what he observed, who he was meeting with, and who was benefiting from the contacts and deals he was making.

The Constitution entrusts the House of Representatives with holding the Executive Branch accountable. That is what we must do as U.S. foreign policy in Ukraine has been sidelined in favor of President Trump's personal and political agenda and abuse of power, Secretary Perry should do what is right and immediately comply with the House's investigation. America deserves nothing less.

I yield back.

kaptur.house.gov