Waxman tells Doan to resign.
Waxman tells Doan to resign.
In today’s House oversight committee hearing with GSA administrator Lurita Doan, chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) told Doan that she should resign:
I have to say, this is my opinion, but it’s unusual for me to ever call for the resignation of a federal official. But in your case, I don’t see any other course of action that will protect the interests of your agency and the federal taxpayer. No one can be an effective leader who has abused the trust of her employees, and threatened to deny promotions and bonuses to employees for telling the truth. And no one can be an effective leader who has lost the public’s confidence, politicizing the agency and violating the federal Hatch Act, yet that is exactly what you have done.
I give you my opinion, just as others have given you their opinion. It will be up to the President of the United States who appointed you to decide what to do with the recommendation of this Office of Special Counsel that recommends the President remove you from this office. I would urge you to resign.
Watch it:
More highlights HERE.
Transcript:
WAXMAN: I want to make some closing comments, and Mr. Davis will be recognized to do the same thing. I want to give you my observations, Ms. Doan. The committee has now investigated mutiple allegations against you in your first year — in your first year — as GSA administrator, including the following: that you violated federal contracting rules by awarding a no-bid contract to your close personal friend. That you intervened in contract negotiations on behalf of Sun Microsystems, potentially costing taxpayers millions of dollars. That you violated the Hatch Act by encouraging federal employees to use government resources to help Republican congressional candidates. That you made false and misleading statements to this committee, to Sen. Charles Grassley, to the Office of Special Counsel, to the press. That you disparaged the credibility and professional credentials of colleagues in retaliation for their cooperation in investigations into your actions.
And this seems to be a pattern. You refuse to take any personal responsibilities, and you attack others for doing their jobs. When the GSA Inspector General concluded you improperly awarded the no-bid contract to your friend, you said he was out to get you. You called him a terrorist, and you threatened to cut off his funding. When this committee investigated your intervention on behalf of Sun, you claimed our motives were partisan. When your colleagues at GSA testified that you asked them to help Republican candidates, you claimed they were poor performers with an axe to grind. And now that the Special Counsel has concluded that you violated the Hatch Act, you concluded them of bias.
What I am not seeing is any recognition that your own conduct might be the reason you’re here today. And after reviewing this record, I see little evidence that you acknowledge your responsibility or have any remorse for your actions. I have no confidence that you’ve learned anything from the experience of this one year time at GSA.
I have to say, this is my opinion, but it’s unusual for me to ever call for the resignation of a federal official. But in your case, I don’t see any other course of action that will protect the interests of your agency and the federal taxpayer. No one can be an effective leader who has abused the trust of her employees, and threatened to deny promotions and bonuses to employees for telling the truth. And no one can be an effective leader who has lost the public’s confidence, politicizing the agency and violating the federal Hatch Act, yet that is exactly what you have done.
I give you my opinion, just as others have given you their opinion. It will be up to the President of the United States who appointed you to decide what to do with the recommendation of this Office of Special Counsel that recommends the President remove you from this office. I would urge you to resign.
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Heh. I luvs me some Henry Waxman. :)
June 13th, 2007 at 3:29 pmSNAP!!!
June 13th, 2007 at 3:29 pmPlease don't resign, Mizz Cookie Puss! You hold on, girl!
Heh.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:29 pmWaxman is raising hell... I love this.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:30 pmHe is one ugly dude.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:33 pmIt's refreshing to see such honest talk in American politics.
I'm not sure that I foresee it becoming a trend, though.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:34 pmWatched the hearing and although Doan was articulate and reminded everyone that she'd "volunteered to testify" as though that should be some badge of courage or some medal-awarding behavior, she clearly violated the Hatch Act and admitted that she did. She said, however, that she was never "briefed" on the Hatch Act - come on now, Laurita, to be the head of the GSA and not be familiar with the Hatch Act?? To have one of your cronnies on the panel (Mr. Izza-nothing) about your attending Vassar and being a grad of U of Tenn, Knoxville) and you are claiming that you were not familiar with the Hatch Act? This sounds like a horrendously "hatched plan" to me, Ms. Doan.
It's clear that she needs to be pressed to resignation; however, Laurita dear is but a small fish in a much larger pond of alligators.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:35 pmThe SS Laurita is going down!
June 13th, 2007 at 3:36 pmhouse of cards...
June 13th, 2007 at 3:36 pmUp to the President huh....
So I guess that means she has NOTHING to worry about!
I doubt there's anything she could do to get fired, Bush has already shown that he never fires anyone regardless of their performance.
Great to see Waxman giving hell though.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:36 pmThe depth of deception during these hearings is becoming a charade or a parody of what it should be. Memory lapses, outright lies, misstatements, contradictions, and attempting to create new definitions for our vocabulary...WTF?
June 13th, 2007 at 3:37 pmre#5
He is one ugly dude.
Comment by Redneck, Redstate — June 13, 2007 @ 3:33 pm
What does your opinion of his looks have to do with the topic?
June 13th, 2007 at 3:37 pmLurita Doan is DONE.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:39 pmIsn't it called "CULPABLE NEGLIGENCE" when the boss goes down simply because something was occurring that he didn't know was against the law?? I believe that when it's one's obligation to know such things which they claim to not have known, it does not get them off the hook.
As well, a real estate broker who isn't kept up to snuff regarding the movements of every one of his salesmen is "guilty" by association - it's assumed that since he is the boss, it's his responsibility to correct the problems of his salesmen, to curtail their malicious activities, etc.
I don't see where "not knowing the Hatch Act" is anything but "culpable negligence" on Ms. Doan's part.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:39 pm...because if you do not resign and the president does not fire you, well, then I'm going to stomp my feet and shout really loud.
And then I'll pass legislation to ban cookies at internal government meetings. So there.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:40 pmOur resident redneck trolls continues to show his level of ignorance.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:40 pmLaurita came very close to losing it several times today which was illustrative of a temper and fire just bubbling sub-surface. No one would convince me that she is not the vindictive type - as personas go, she is not tied too tightly and was about to "go off" several times during the hearing. A loose canon.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:42 pm"But officer, I didn't know the speed limit because I was going too fast to see the speed limit sign."
June 13th, 2007 at 3:42 pmhas Bush reiterated his confidence in her yet? it's only a matter of time...
June 13th, 2007 at 3:46 pmBam! You in da House of Wax!
Seriously, how good is it to hear someone in an official capacity tell an Executive Branch official to their face that they SUCK. It makes me feel like one ounce of the yelling I do at the TV finally squeaked through.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:47 pmYeah - I hope we see some legislation out of these embarrassing hearings. They could call it the "You better keep good notes because if you say 'I don't recall' your a$$ is going to jail" law. They should also make the people in these government positions personally culpable for misuse of taxpayer money (read: if the cause does not fit, then your in deep s**t). I'd love to see this "successful business woman" pay for the tax dollars she has stolen from the American people.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:50 pmDM
It's reassuring to hear that someone else yells at the TV - I don't recall ever doing that until about two or three years ago.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:50 pmRoboTroll 3100 reports:
She serves at the Pleasure of the Presidentâ„¢.
Democrats want to criminalize not knowing stuff.
Democrats want to criminalize PowerPoint.
Democrats want to criminalize cookies at staff meetings.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:51 pmactually, i predict that waxman's strongly worded suggestion that doan resign, will, just like gonzo's failed no-confidence vote, merely strengthen bush's resolve to keep her... otoh, in big picture terms and, given the other crises that are biting bush around the ankles, lurita is most definitely expendable... however, i just can't see bush allowing it to look like he's acceding to waxman's request...
And, yes, I DO take it personally
June 13th, 2007 at 3:51 pmAfter 6 1/2 years I'm finally beginning to see the overarching Bush plan, incompetence of unqualified idealogical political cronies makes George look smarter.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:52 pmConcernTroll 3050 says:
Henry Waxman should not push too hard on this. He could look like a bully and Americans don't like bullies.
I'm just concerned about Democrats and how all of this "oversight" could hurt them, that's all. Honest.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:53 pm#21 Rusty: I'm with you. Why the hell are the taxpayers paying big salaries to people who have obvious handicaps: Mental problems and memory lapse (early Alzheimer's?)?? I really don't get it. What does this Congress NOT understand about their words "You're Fired!"
Once someone employed "by the people" recites those infamous words, "I can't recall", then I'd pitch him right out the door on his ass!".
When was the last time your employer asked you that question? What was your answer? I'll be that if you wanted to remain employed there, you'd have a instant "memory recall".
June 13th, 2007 at 3:54 pmWill Doan be allowed to resign "with impunity from prosecution" and a nice pension, or will this jackass congress, not the so-called justice department, proceed with investigation and prosecution?
June 13th, 2007 at 3:54 pmHeckuva job, Laurita, here's your Medal of Freedom. - Bush
You know its coming...
June 13th, 2007 at 3:55 pmConcern Troll 3050: Waxman's too gentle and genteel as far as most americans are concerned. If the Repukes were conducting the hearing, it'd resemble a three ring circus!
June 13th, 2007 at 3:55 pmHe was addressing Bush, right?
June 13th, 2007 at 3:57 pmHenry Waxman is my hero!! Keep those subpoenas flyin', Henry!!
June 13th, 2007 at 4:01 pmWhat's the news on TP's comment problem?
Do we still have to refresh everytime a new set of posts come up?
June 13th, 2007 at 4:01 pm.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:02 pmYeah right, Ms. Doan feels she did no wrong, kinda sound like the rest of the Bushies. They don't know between truth or lies or pretend not to.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:03 pm#5 > He is one ugly dude.
Comment by Redneck, Redstate
Sweetheart, I know it's a bit difficult to tell from that clip, but Lurita Doan is a woman.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:04 pmMr. Waxman: Repuking or repudiating a stinking neo-con is pointless. A strong and assertive criminal charge is require in such matter. Neo cons and their political appointees are the bane to our democracy and to the U.S. Constitution. So forget the wrist slap--AND SLAP 'EM WITH A FEDERAL CHARGE!
June 13th, 2007 at 4:04 pmHe was addressing Bush, right?
Comment by Some Guy
June 13th, 2007 at 4:05 pm________________
You know it, I know, and most of us progressives know it. But Bush and the Bushmen never will see themselves in any criticism, even when directly aimed squarely at them like a Dick Cheney shotgun.
What’s the news on TP’s comment problem?
Do we still have to refresh everytime a new set of posts come up?
Comment by trueblue
Seems better today, true. Firefox works really well on TP right now. :)
June 13th, 2007 at 4:05 pmI imagine Bush's response will be: Fire her? I Doan think so!
June 13th, 2007 at 4:05 pmNews flash to everyone here: CONGRESS CAN'T FIRE / IMPRISON / FORCE RESIGNATION!
The way I understand it (I may be wrong) is that all Congress can do is hold hearings, then its up to the justice department/president to actually DO SOMETHING about it. Which is obviously a huge flaw in our system for accountability. Congress, I think, is doing all that they can for now.
Now they can also initiate impeachment but that's a whole other ballgame.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:08 pmGWB to the Democrats and to the American people, while thumping his chest.
I am the President!
I am the Decider!
She's doing what Karl and I told her to do!
F**k you all!
I support her fully!
This is all partisan politics!
Now do something about it.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:08 pmguess so...
June 13th, 2007 at 4:08 pmDoesn't work for me, Zooey.
:/
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
June 13th, 2007 at 4:10 pmSounds like someone's gonna get a medal from Dubya!
June 13th, 2007 at 4:21 pmDid you see that smug look on her puss as Waxman read her the riot act? It's the look of someone who knows she's gonna skate.
Or at least, someone who THINKS she's gonna skate. And while I wouldn't be suprised if she got a promotion/bonus/medal/hug from the President for being such a loyal bushie, putting partisanship not only above policy but above the law, I can also see Bush cutting her loose. Because it sounds like she was doing things she thought she ought to do, but wasn't directly instructed to do. She took initiative to be this stupid and evil. She showed leadership, even if it was seriously misguided illegal leadership. And to Bush, that sort of gumption is threatening. She won't be punished for breaking the law. She'll get punished for getting to big for her britches.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:24 pm#41 ~ Yes, it's true. Congress can't fire, only impeach. But:
- Do you hear anyone saying Wax is wrong?
- Do you hear Bush saying Doan is fired?
Put two and two together - Wax just told Bush what he should be doing... people agree... and he ain't doing it. That's why his approval is at 28%. Bush is weak.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:25 pmI hope she stays.
She'll be the poster child for Repukeorruption in 2008.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:27 pm#10 -- Bush did fire Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Peter Pace. By not putting his name up for a renewal as the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he literally fired Pace. So much for loyalty. Can't wait to have his book written, if he has not already written one. I just hope that it comes out real soon.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:28 pmShe won't resign and Shrub will not fire her. She's not through serving at pleasuring the President.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:30 pmDoan be so sure she'll be fired.
Maybe this who Bush gets his BJ's from.
I mean, LaLa hasn't been seen with that batshit Joker smile for weeks now.
Do you think she can actually close her eyes at night?
Yo, Sturgeon, did you pull this plastic a little too tight?
June 13th, 2007 at 4:34 pmanyone else tired of having to do this?
June 13th, 2007 at 4:37 pmThe Revolution is being televised.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:40 pmanyone else tired of having to do this?
Comment by trueblue
Of doing what? ;)
June 13th, 2007 at 4:41 pmanyone else tired of having to do this?
Comment by trueblue
Yeah, I'm tired of not having you around here. Firefox! :)
June 13th, 2007 at 4:41 pmOUCH!!
June 13th, 2007 at 4:42 pmHeckava job Doany! Keeping her around won't affect Bush's 28% approval rating. At this point, they don't care what their approval ratings are, they will still go about their business of wrecking this government and everything else they touch with their grimy little hands...
June 13th, 2007 at 4:47 pmI don't think Waxman saying she should resign will have as much of an impact as Special Counsel Scott Bloch, a Republican who's generally favorable to the administration, telling Bush that she broke the law and should be punished to the "fullest extent possible."
But then, Bush has the emotional maturity of a five year old and will refuse to do what anyone wants him to do, no matter who it is that's asking, simply because they want him to do it. He has never eaten his vegetables in his entire life and, yet, he still gets dessert.
June 13th, 2007 at 4:57 pm.
June 13th, 2007 at 5:00 pmZooey,
I went there, hit the button, and nothing!
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Juan,
:)))
June 13th, 2007 at 5:01 pmBush puts party before country but he also puts himself before party. He doesn't care what affect his actions have on anybody. He is one sick puppy, almost a caricature of a dictator. He is not going to stop until somebody stops him. Not stopping him is what's got the approval rating of this congress in the toilet. Maybe Waxman needs to be Speaker of the House. Go Henry, go Henry.
June 13th, 2007 at 5:25 pmJust what was the purpose of today's House hearing on Doan? A Special Council just found that she had abused the Hatch Act. Why the redundancy of today's spectacle? Each party had it's own truth so just a lot of hot air was bantered about. Sad to see our government in action.
June 13th, 2007 at 5:27 pmI think political considerations will keep Doan in her job. The administration strategy seems to be to ignore accusations that politics are being applied where they shouldn't be, or to suggest the accusers are just being political themselves. Firing Doan would be an admission that there is some basis for the attacks. In the end, Doan's departure could bring down a very large house of cards.
June 13th, 2007 at 5:27 pmHe's being generous.
June 13th, 2007 at 5:50 pmI would have given her some rope and a stool.
#62 - Gus Smith,
June 13th, 2007 at 6:08 pmToday's hearing established the fact that she lied under oath and that she is so brain dead that the fact that she has been discovered has yet to sink in.
Waxman is a dickhead.
June 13th, 2007 at 6:10 pmWaxman is a dickhead.
Comment by Mr. President — June 13, 2007 @ 6:10 pm
Another stunning example of what passes for intelligent debate here from the trolls.
Maybe we ought to pull out the "Waxman's rubber; you're glue" defense.
June 13th, 2007 at 6:23 pmWaxman is one of the most articulate and erudite members of the 210th Congress. The American people should be more than grateful that this man is where he is at this point of their history.
June 13th, 2007 at 6:29 pmWaxman is a dickhead.
Comment by Mr. President
Heh, heh, DUMBASS.
June 13th, 2007 at 7:06 pmDoan should be charged under with a crime under the Hatch Act.
What good would it do for Doan to resign? She would just show up in some other position withing the Bush administration. It would be like wack-a-mole.
June 13th, 2007 at 7:08 pmright on WAXMAN, your a true american Hero. what he said sums up the whole Bush Administration! they are a bunch of Freakin Neo-Con Extremists!who should be behind bars.
June 13th, 2007 at 7:12 pmI want to get a Brazilian Waxman job!
June 13th, 2007 at 7:43 pmResignation... So subjective...
June 13th, 2007 at 8:26 pmSo Waxman stated that she violated the Hatch Act. Isn't that a crime? Doesn't she get charged with a crime and get the opportunity to join traitor Libby in Cupcake prison?
June 13th, 2007 at 9:41 pmBush puts party before country but he also puts himself before party
Bush put himself before everything. Ever notice all the "I" statements he makes whenever he is in front of a crowd? Like anyone really cares what he thinks. What a fuc*ing narcissist.
Guess all the trials start in 2008... just in time to remind voters that these Republicans are crooks and liars and sentencing begins after the decider leaves office and won't be able to pardon his accomplices.
June 13th, 2007 at 9:48 pmYou know, I work as an engineer with lots of other engineers and people of other disciplines. We all have political leanings and keep them out our professional work.
Why is it that it seems so many inside this admininistration or appointed by this administration cannot do their jobs without trying to game the system?
Lets all think of ways that we can get these fine GOP people elected?
You have got to be kidding.
June 14th, 2007 at 12:00 amwaxman was brilliant. they were so arrogant because they thought they'd be long gone before a democrat was in charge. they never thought they'd ever have to take responsibility for their corrupt asses. HA HA!!
June 14th, 2007 at 1:17 amNotice that Waxman had to recess because Ms. Doan completely lost it under Sarbannes directed questions.
"Oratory imperative" indeed!
Hope she stays on though. She makes entertaining TV, and will likely be back before the committee for some other controversy.
June 14th, 2007 at 1:00 pm