(Washington D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Inspector General report on allegations of unlawful hiring practices at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).
“As the daughter of a World War II veteran and a champion for those who have served our nation, I know firsthand the incredible value and spirit that veterans bring to any workplace, and I’m extremely concerned by today’s report of discriminatory practices towards veterans and other groups at BPA.
“I’m also disturbed by reports that BPA leadership took punitive actions against employees who cooperated with the IG investigation, and I support the Department of Energy’s decision to suspend pending removals and disciplinary actions.
“I’ve already spoken with Deputy Secretary Poneman, and though I’m encouraged the Department has taken immediate steps to address these issues at BPA, I’ll be working very closely with my colleagues from the Pacific Northwest to ensure BPA not only follows federal guidelines, but fully respects its employees and the service of our veterans.”