Chaffetz avoiding responsibility for nonexistent Trump Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) today announced he would not seek reelection to the House of Representatives in 2018. Chaffetz is the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the Trump administration. He has been the target of frequent protests at Town Halls in his district, and, in February, fierce opposition forced him to withdraw a bill that would have sold off public lands.
Friends of the Earth Action’s Senior Political Strategist Ben Schreiber released the following statement:
Congressman Jason Chaffetz’s decision not to seek reelection is a big victory for the Trump resistance over one of administration’s chief enablers.
Trump is continuing to drag down everyone around him. Recent special elections in Kansas and Georgia have demonstrated that voters across the country are holding Republicans accountable for their unwillingness to stand up to Trump and his extreme agenda. Chaffetz’s decision to not run is another victory in a battle against politicians who want to sell off our public lands, leaders who gloss over the Trump administration’s abysmal ethics, and Members of Congress unwilling to put public trust above party politics.
Make no mistake, Chaffetz must resign from his Chairmanship of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Americans deserve an independent and ethical committee Chair who is willing to protect us from the Trump administration.
Expert contact: Ben Schreiber, (202) 222-0752, bschreiber@foe.org
Communications contact: Patrick Davis, (202) 222-0744, pdavis@foe.org