In a recent Senate hearing, Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) demonstrated his knack for incisive questioning, this time directed at Trump Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
The exchange revealed startling information about the financial activities of the Biden administration during its final days.
Senator Kennedy, known for his sharp wit and ability to disarm Democratic witnesses, focused his inquiry on the fiscal transactions that occurred in the 76-day period between President Trump's election and Joe Biden's departure from office. The revelations that ensued were nothing short of astonishing.
"During that short period of time, 76 days, how much taxpayer money went out the door of the Department of Energy?" Kennedy asked. Wright's response was staggering: "From the loan program office, in loans and commitments, $93 billion. Well over twice as much as in the previous 15 years."
This revelation prompted further probing from Kennedy, who questioned the feasibility of vetting and conducting due diligence on such a vast sum in such a short period. Wright's response was equally alarming. He admitted that in many cases, due diligence was likely not conducted. He revealed that funds were disbursed and commitments made to businesses that provided no business plan or financial solvency data.
Kennedy, visibly taken aback, asked Wright to confirm that the Department of Energy had indeed disbursed or loaned money to entities without a business plan during this 76-day period. "Correct," Wright confirmed.
As reported by RedState, the conversation continued with Kennedy asking Wright if he was reviewing these applications. Wright confirmed that he was, expressing his rising concern over what they had discovered. He stated that some of the applicants "should be ashamed."
Kennedy, known for his quick wit, remarked, "It's rare that I'm speechless." He asked Wright to confirm if this money was hastily disbursed by the Biden team during this period. Wright confirmed, describing the situation as "confidence undermining."
Kennedy expressed his shock and urged Wright to meticulously review all these projects, "penny by penny." He criticized the Department of Energy's spending habits, stating, "They were spending money at the Department of Energy like it was ditchwater! Their budget went from $60 billion to $160 billion since fiscal year 2021." He expressed his hope that Wright would reject wasteful projects and refer any fraudulent activities to the Department of Justice. Wright assured him that he would.
Kennedy also questioned Wright about plans to save money by gradually reducing unnecessary staff. Wright agreed that this was a necessary step, stating, "American taxpayers deserve it." He explained that Trump had empowered departments to make necessary changes.
The revelations from this Senate hearing are indeed significant. They underscore the importance of rigorous financial oversight in government departments.
The question that now looms large is whether similar financial irregularities occurred in other departments as well. How much more taxpayer money was disbursed, and to whom? These are questions that demand answers, and it is hoped that further investigations will shed light on these matters.
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