From Texas Standard:
Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, who President Donald Trump's nominated for Veterans' Affairs Secretary, has withdrawn his name from consideration, following allegations of misconduct during his tenure as White House physician. And embattled EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is testifying on Capitol Hill Thursday, answering questions about his spending on travel, security and furnishings, since taking office. But while Pruitt is only one of several Trump cabinet members facing scrutiny, Energy Secretary, and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry has remained largely out of negative headlines. And Perry's name has been floated as a potential replacement nominee at Veterans' Affairs.
Politico Reporter Anthony Adragna has been following the turmoil facing many officials in the Trump administration, and Perry's smoother ride. He says Perry doesn't expect to be asked to take the Veterans' Affairs job, nor would he necessarily see it as a promotion. And Andragna says Perry likes his current job.
"From people I've talked to, he's really enjoyed learning about [the Department of Energy's] mission, learning about their portfolio, getting to do a lot of traveling, to see a lot of the cool science going on over there," Andragna says.
Pruitt's testimony before two congressional committees will be the public's first chance to hear the EPA head respond to ethical criticisms. And we'll learn whether Republican lawmakers are supportive, or are primed to ask tough questions.
"You're going to have multiple hours of people, especially Democrats, grilling him relentlessly on these things," Andragna says.
Written by Shelly Brisbin.
