Democratic lawmakers are raising alarms over recent firings and staff reductions at crucial agencies, prompting demands for explanations from some of President Donald Trump's Cabinet secretaries.
A group of seven Democrats, led by Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey, penned a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, seeking clarification on the firing of over 300 staffers from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) last week. The NNSA is responsible for overseeing the nation's nuclear arsenal. While most of the fired employees have been reinstated, the sudden terminations and subsequent rehiring caused significant disruption within the agency.
In their letter, the lawmakers criticized the haphazard approach to staff reductions, labeling it as a security risk that endangers the country. They called on Secretary Wright to provide detailed explanations for the mass firings and outline plans for ensuring adequate staffing levels at the NNSA moving forward. Additionally, they requested information on measures being taken to prevent unauthorized access to classified systems by certain individuals associated with the Department of Government Efficiency.
Meanwhile, other members of Congress have expressed concerns about staffing issues at different agencies. Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington wrote to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, urging the protection of the workforce at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Cantwell emphasized the importance of safeguarding agencies like the National Weather Service, which plays a critical role in various areas such as climate science, fisheries, and satellite operations.
Overall, the calls for transparency and accountability from Cabinet secretaries underscore the ongoing scrutiny over staffing decisions and their potential impact on national security and essential services.
