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House Minority Leader John Boehner on Wednesday called on Speaker Nancy Pelosi to fire House Chief Administrative Officer Dan Beard, arguing he is too partisan for the office. Much of Boehner's criticism centered on actions Beard has taken, with Pelosi's support, to green the Capitol, such as by purchasing carbon credits to lessen the Capitol's environmental footprint. “Mr. Beard’s complete disregard for the interests of American taxpayers and the recklessly partisan manner in which he has carried out his duties make him unfit for this office,” the Ohio Republican said in a letter to Pelosi (D-Calif.). “He has on many occasions exceeded his authority by involving himself and his staff in supporting and advocating the partisan policy objectives of the majority,” Boehner added.A Democratic aide called Boehner’s request for Beard’s firing a “politically-motivated stunt,” adding that “the timing makes it clear that it is designed to grab headlines.” The GOP leader said Beard, a former Democratic staffer, has taken several trips at taxpayer expense and wasted money on carbon credits and a $700,000 lighting system for the Capitol Dome. Beard has touted the new lights to illuminate the Capitol Dome as more energy efficient than the current system. “When Mr. Beard hasn’t spent money on carbon credits or lighting, he has seen fit to forfeit millions of dollars owed to the taxpayers,” Boehner added. “Mr. Beard exceeded his authority by making significant changes to the House food service contract, after it was approved by the Committee on House Administration, which will result in the loss of more than $5 million dollars in commission revenue that could be used to make up for some of Mr. Beard’s reckless spending.” The minority leader also stated that Beard had launched an attack on Rep. Vernon Ehlers (Mich), the ranking Republican on the House Administration Committee. Boehner argued that “from the mismanagement of his office, to his penchant for partisan attacks and waste of taxpayer-funded resources, the case for dismissing Mr. Beard is clear” and called on Pelosi to fire the CAO immediately. “Clearly we don’t agree with the concerns raised in Mr. Boehner’s letter and we await the Speaker’s response since [the letter] was addressed to her,” said Jeff Ventura, spokesperson for Beard. Pelosi spokesman Nadeam Elshami stated that “the Speaker will be responding to the Cong. Boehner’s letter.” |
