Exclusive: Oversight Committee Dem probes Corey Lewandowski's role at DHS
Why it matters: Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) sent an inquiry letter to the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday following multiple media reports that Lewandowski may be working past the legal time limit for his role while wielding significant power in the department.
Catch up quick: Lewandowski, a long-time aide to President Trump, has been working as a special government employee, or SGE, advising DHS Sec. Kristi Noem.
Axios reported that the White House is now monitoring Lewandowski's working hours to ensure he doesn't exceed the 130-day legal limit for SGEs serving in the government. It's an unpaid post that doesn't require divesting from other business interests.
Lewandowski's authority has also grown at DHS, according to a report from CNN, including making decisions on firing staff, putting staff on leave and involvement in grant funding.
Lewandowski has been referred in some media reports as Noem's de facto chief of staff and her gatekeeper.
Zoom in: Garcia requested that DHS provide more information about Lewandowski's role and impact at the agency, including:
A complete accounting of Lewandowski's workdays, including calendars and device metadata from DHS devices he's used;
Documents related to Lewandowski's role in making personnel decisions, including hirings and firings;
Documents or communications between Lewandowski and any lobbying or government consulting firms;
And documents and communications between Lewandowski and the Office of Government Ethics, including his financial disclosure forms and any adherence to conflicts of interest protocols.
What's next: Garcia has requested a response to his questions by Sept. 4.
What they're saying:"There is a reason our government has specific rules to ensure Special Government Employees don't cross boundaries or take advantage of their status," Garcia said in a statement to Axios.
"Not only does Lewandowski's situation raise severe ethical concerns, but it also undermines public trust and accountability. We will get to the bottom of what is going on and ensure that anyone violating the law is held accountable."
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