FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Murray Press Office
Thursday, October 24, 2013 (202) 224-2834
Senator Murray's Statement on Efforts to Correct Discriminatory Hiring Practices for Veterans at BPA
(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 unlawful hiring practices at Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)
and the corrective actions being taken by the Department of Energy and
BPA.
“Since
they were released earlier this month, I have been extremely
disappointed by the findings in the Inspector General’s report on
unlawful and discriminatory hiring practices impacting veterans and
others at BPA. As a longtime advocate for servicemembers and veterans, I
know well the incredible value that veterans bring to the workplace,
and the unacceptable practices described in this report must be fixed as
soon as possible.
“I
am encouraged that BPA and DOE are each taking these issues seriously,
and as they work together to address these problems, I will continue
monitoring the situation closely while working to ensure that BPA
maintains the flexibility it needs to provide reliable, low-cost power
to the Pacific Northwest. I have spoken with Deputy Secretary Poneman
several times since the IG report was released, and he has assured me
that while hiring and personnel practices are being addressed, DOE will
respect BPA’s authority to set policies that support the Pacific
Northwest and its ratepayers.”
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Sean Coit
Press Secretary
Office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray
202-224-2834
