House Oversight Committee announces investigation into John Kerry negotiations with CCP
Cami Mondeaux
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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.
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“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.”
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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.