Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) made the following statement regarding the Department of the Interior’s Office of the Inspector General opening an investigation into Secretary Ryan Zinke’s use of taxpayer-funded charter planes:

"When reports surfaced of Secretary Zinke’s use of private charters I said that the taxpayers deserve answers. I look forward to reviewing the Inspector General's report and if it concludes that Secretary Zinke misused public funds, he should promptly reimburse the taxpayers."

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