Click here to watch Chairman Barrasso’s remarks.
  

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), delivered the following remarks at a committee business meeting.

At the business meeting, the committee advanced the nomination of Sean O’Donnell of Maryland to be inspector general of the Environmental Protection Agency by voice vote. 

To watch the full business meeting, click here. 

Senator Barrasso’s remarks: 

“Today we will consider one nomination. 

“We will consider the nomination of Sean O’Donnell to be inspector general of the Environmental Protection Agency. 

“The full committee held a hearing on the nominee last month.

“Mr. O’Donnell is well-qualified and will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to this critically important position. 

“I applaud President Trump’s nomination of such an experienced and dedicated public servant.

“The Environmental Protection Agency’s office of inspector general currently lacks Senate-confirmed leadership. 

“Mr. O’Donnell has the right experience to fill that void. 

“For nearly twenty years, Mr. O’Donnell has devoted his career to public service.

“Since 2005, he has served as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. 

“He has handled criminal and civil matters, such as those relating to financial and government program fraud, and public corruption. 

“Mr. O’Donnell is familiar with the use of sophisticated investigative and forensic tools. 

“He has managed large investigative teams of attorneys, analysts, and investigators. 

“And he has worked with agents and auditors from half a dozen offices of inspector general.  

“Mr. O’Donnell has received numerous honors and awards for his work at the Department of Justice. 

“In 2017, he received the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service — the second highest honor awarded by the department. 

“That year, he also received the Executive Office for United States Attorneys Director’s Award for Superior Performance by a Litigative Team. 

“During the Obama administration, he received a Civil Division Special Achievement Award and numerous annual quality service awards. 

“Mr. O’Donnell’s background and experience make him an exceptional candidate to serve as the Environmental Protection Agency’s inspector general. 

“I urge all of my colleagues to support his nomination.”

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