After Congress Adjourns, E.P.W. Republicans Won't Attend Last-Stand Ozone Press Conference65809

U.S. Senator David Vitter, top Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and other Committee Republicans will not attend the scheduled Subcommittee on Oversight Hearing: EPA's Suggested National Ambient Air Quality Requirements for Ozone, because Congress adjourned. Vitter also informed Republican witnesses their attendance was no longer necessary.

"Congress adjourned last night. Senator Vitter told the Republican witnesses there was zero reason to show up to Ranking Member Boxer's last-stand press conference," said E.P.W. Committee spokesman Luke Bolar.

Text of Vitter's letter to the Republican witnesses is below.

December 17, 2014

Dear Mr. Eisenberg and Dr. Shaw:

I would like to personally thank you for your willingness to testify before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee at the hearing titled "Oversight Hearing: EPA's Suggested National Ambient Air Quality Requirements for Ozone," scheduled for 2:30 p.m. December 17, 2014. Despite your commitment, I must inform you that it is no longer necessary for you to attend the hearing.

The 113th Congress adjourned sine die late last night. The American people voted for a change, and elections have consequences. Ranking Member Boxer is still moving forward with having one final hurrah to push an agenda that voters have clearly rejected. There will be no Republican members at this hearing, and accordingly, your presence is no longer requested by the office that invited you. Although having such a hearing earlier in the year would have been prudent, I can assure you that Republicans project to seriously focus on this critical issue with legitimate hearings in which all members can be present in the new year.

Given last night's official adjournment, any efforts to move forward with such a hearing will be nothing in excess of political theater bordering on a press conference for the majority. Accordingly, I respectfully thank you for your help, ask that we continue the open dialogue and working relationship in the new year, and ask that you enjoy the holidays without further engagement with the E.P.W. Committee until 2015.

Thank you,

David Vitter
Ranking Member

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