Friend -- right now, Mitch McConnell has the power to delay or derail a federal investigation into his wife, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.
Since joining President Trump’s administration, Chao has come under fire for scandal after scandal. And now, she’s under investigation for allegedly giving McConnell’s constituents special treatment -- steering millions of federal dollars to Kentucky while he faces re-election.
But the Department of Transportation’s Inspector General left his role while investigating this serious allegation. And who’s in charge of the confirmation process for his replacement?
The Senate Majority Leader, or Mitch McConnell himself.
McConnell shouldn’t have the power to pick the official who’ll lead an investigation into him and his wife. He must recuse himself from the confirmation process >>
This isn’t the first time that Chao has been accused of abusing her position. Last year, she reportedly wielded her influence to boost her family’s business in China -- and she maintained her shares in a construction materials company, more than a year after she pledged to sell them.
Government officials should play by the rules and serve the American people -- not their own private interests. Chao must be swiftly held accountable for any corrupt dealings.
But right now, her husband has the final say on when (or if) a new Inspector General will be confirmed. So if McConnell doesn’t recuse himself, the American people may never get the accountability we deserve.
We must make it clear to Mitch McConnell: we won’t stand for this blatant conflict of interest. Tell him to recuse himself from the confirmation process.
Thanks for speaking out,
Karen Hobert Flynn, President
and the team at Common Cause
