By Cami Mondeaux, Breaking News Reporter |
February 02, 2023 03:01 PM
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) announced on Thursday that the panel would be opening an investigation into White House climate czar John Kerry for high-level negotiations with the Chinese Communist Party related to climate.
Comer
informed Kerry of the investigation in a
letter sent on Thursday, seeking
information from the special presidential envoy for climate in the Biden
administration. The letter comes after Comer previously requested access to
documents related to Kerry's negotiations with the Chinese government but did not receive any materials, according to the
committee chairman.
JOHN
KERRY WARNS GREEN ENERGY TRANSITION NEEDS TO ACCELERATE TO COMBAT CLIMATE
CHANGE
"To
date, you have failed to respond to any of our requests," Comer wrote.
"Yet, you continue to engage in activities that could undermine our
economic health, skirt congressional authority, and threaten foreign policy
under the guise of climate advocacy."
"The
Committee requests documents and information to understand your role and
provide necessary transparency over the SPEC and its activities," he
added. "As a member of the President’s cabinet, you should be representing
the United States’ interests. Your statements, however, consistently show
disregard for American national security and taxpayer dollars."
The
announcement comes after Kerry told the Associated Press in
May 2022 that he was negotiating with the CCP to create a group dedicated to
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, prompting concerns among several Republican
leaders who say the relationship could undermine the country's economic health.
Republicans
repeatedly requested Kerry to provide documents detailing his negotiations with
Chinese leaders during the previous Congress, but those requests were denied,
according to Comer.
"Your
office continues to ignore requests for information," Comer wrote.
"We are left with an insufficient understanding of your office’s
activities, spending, and staffing."
As part of his latest request, the House Oversight Committee is seeking access to documents detailing the special envoy's budget from the last three fiscal years, a list of all those who were present for any discussions where Kerry's budget was mentioned, a full list of people who are employed by the office of the special envoy, all communications between those from inside the office and any third party, and any communications regarding Kerry's domestic or international travel.
Kerry
has until Feb. 16 to submit the requested materials.
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