A House Committee suspects Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao of making decisions to benefit her family’s own business interest, reports Slate.
The committee launched its investigation Monday following reports from both the Wall Street Journal and New York Times about potential conflicts.
“The Committee is investigating several allegations relating to your service as Secretary of Transportation, including troubling questions about whether you are using your office to benefit yourself or your family,” read a letter from the committee’s leadership.
Chao is accused of initially failing to divest her shares in the Vulcan Materials, a company which received significant funding from the Transportation Department.
She is also accused of making decisions in her official government capacity to benefit her family’s shipping company, Foremost Group.
The Transportation Department issued a statement defending Chao, saying “Media attacks targeting the secretary’s family are stale and only attempt to undermine her long career of public service.”
Chao is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
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