Grijalva Rejects Clovis Excuse for USDA Withdrawal, Calls on Senate to Show Independence and Respect for Government

Washington, D.C. – Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) released the following statement today on the news that science and climate change denier Sam Clovis withdrew his name from consideration to be the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientist due to his involvement in the Trump campaign’s Russia investigation.

“Everyone knows Mr. Clovis withdrew because he’s up to his neck in the Trump-Russia scandal, not because of the ‘political climate in Washington.’ President Trump never should have put him forward in the first place – he certainly doesn’t know anything about Earth’s actual climate. This withdrawal is an important sign to the Senate that wholly unqualified nominees for scientific posts like Mr. Clovis must be rejected. The president’s nominee to lead NASA, Rep. Bridenstine, has demonstrated a complete lack of understanding of the agency’s scientific mission and needs to step back.

“Trump is handing out nominations as political favors to members of his entourage, regardless of their qualifications or ethical lapses. The Senate needs to reassert some independence, show it takes its constitutional responsibilities a little more seriously, and reject nominees who have no idea what they’re talking about.”

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Media Contact: Adam Sarvana                                                                

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