Washington, D.C. -On Wednesday, June 26, 2019, the Committee on Oversight and Reform will hold a hearing to examine violations of the Hatch Act under the Trump Administration. Although Kellyanne Conway was invited to testify at this hearing, the White House sent a letter this week notifying the Committee that Ms. Conway will not appear. The Committee will move forward with a vote to subpoena Ms. Conway to compel her appearance at a future hearing.
WHERE: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building
WHEN: Wednesday, June 26, 2019
TIME: 10 a.m. EST
The hearing will be broadcast here.
Due to limited seating, credentialed media must RSVP to their respective Press Gallery no later than 5 p.m. today. An RSVP does not guarantee a seat, but the Committee will do its best to accommodate as many organizations as possible. Only one media representative per outlet will be allowed in the room. Gallery contact information is below:
House Radio/TV Gallery: radiotv@mail.house.gov 202-225-5214
House Periodical Gallery: periodical.press@mail.house.gov 202-225-2941
House Daily Press Gallery: dailypressgallery@mail.house.gov 202-225-3945
Photographer Gallery: Press_Photo@saa.senate.gov 202-224-6548
BACKGROUND
* On June 13, 2019, the independent Office of Special Counsel (OSC) sent President Trump a letter and report finding that Conway violated the Hatch Act dozens of times and calling on the President “to remove Ms. Conway from her federal position immediately."
* The Hatch Act restricts federal employees from engaging in “political activity" on federal property, while “on duty," when “wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee," or when using government property, such as vehicles, computers, printers, copiers and telephones.
* On March 6, 2018, the independent Office of Special Counsel (OSC) sent President Trump a previous report finding that Ms. Conway “violated the Hatch Act on two occasions by advocating for and against candidates in the December 2017 Alabama special election for United States Senate."
* On June 13, 2019, Chairman Cummings and Chairman Connolly sent a letter inviting Ms. Conway to testify at the hearing to address her “failure to comply with federal laws, including ethics laws and the Hatch Act," and asked Ms. Conway to confirm her attendance by June 17, 2019.
* On June 24, 2019, White House Counsel Pat Cipollone sent a letter on behalf of Ms. Conway declining the Committee’s invitation. The White House claimed absolute immunity for Ms. Conway to decline any request from Congress for her testimony.
INVITED WITNESSES
The Honorable Henry J. Kerner
Special Counsel
Office of Special Counsel
Ms. Kellyanne Conway
Counselor to the President
White House
