Rep. Mark Pocan
Mark William PocanCoronavirus testing could cost some patients extra Biden rise calms Democratic jitters Democratic lawmaker calls out CDC for removing data on number of Americans tested for coronavirus MORE (D-Wis.) is advocating for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoAfghan peace deal leaves two American hostages in limbo Afghan Women: Essential for Peace Global coronavirus cases climb past 100,000 MORE’s salary to be withheld until EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland is permitted to testify before Congress as part of Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.
In a letter sent to Pompeo on Tuesday, the Democrat who is one of the co-chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, argued that a provision of the law allows Congress to withhold any federal official’s compensation if they prevent another government employee from communicating with lawmakers or committees.
The letter came after the State Department blocked Sondland from testifying in a House deposition scheduled for Tuesday, ramping up tensions between congressional Democrats and the Trump administration amid an impeachment inquiry.
Pocan in his letter referred to "section 713 of Division D of Public Law 116-6 signed by the President earlier this year."
"As you are aware, this section prohibits paying the salary of any ‘officer or employee of the Federal Government who prohibits or prevents…any other officer or employee of the Federal Government from…communication or contact with any Member, committee, or subcommittee of the Congress,’” the Wisconsin Democrat wrote.
“I believe the person prohibiting Ambassador Sondland from testifying before the House Intelligence Committee is in violation of this statute, and that their salary should be withheld until Ambassador Sondland appears before Congress," Pocan also wrote.
Pocan also referred to a story from The Wall Street Journal last week that reported Sen. Ron Johnson
Ronald (Ron) Harold JohnsonDemocratic senator requests classified briefing ahead of Burisma-related subpoena vote Romney to vote for Burisma subpoena McConnell on Burisma, Biden probe: 'I think it's worth taking a look at' MORE (R-Wis.) saying he had been told by Sondland of a quid pro quo tying nearly $400 million in aid to Ukraine to a commitment from the country to probe matters arising from the 2016 election.
Johnson then raised the matter with President Trump
Donald John TrumpBiden racks up union endorsements ahead of crucial primaries CPAC attendee tests positive for coronavirus Biden campaign unveils biggest ad purchase of 2020 cycle MORE, according to the Journal, but Trump denied he had told aides to make the aid contingent on a probe from Ukraine into the 2016 election.
"As you can imagine, as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I find Senator Johnson’s account appalling,” Pocan wrote in his letter.
Democrats have repeatedly blasted the administration for stonewalling their investigation, alleging the White House is obstructing Congress by failing to provide requested testimony and documents.
The White House on Tuesday wrote to Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiHillicon Valley: Harris presses Facebook over census misinformation | Austin cancels SXSW over coronavirus fears | Surveillance deal elusive as deadline nears | FTC sends warnings to Cardi B, other influencers Harris presses Facebook over census misinformation policies after misleading Trump ads Lone Democrat to oppose impeachment will seek reelection MORE (D-Calif.) and three Democratic committee leaders to say it would not cooperate with the House’s ongoing impeachment inquiry.
Republicans have pushed back on the inquiry, arguing that Democrats have rushed the process and assert the president has not engaged in impeachable behavior.
