Rep. Frank LoBiondo (N.J.) is calling on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to step down, becoming the fourth House Republican to do so.
LoBiondo, who is retiring from Congress, tweeted on Sunday that Pruitt was the “wrong fit” for the agency.
“Yes EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt should resign. Wrong fit from start for agency dedicated to protecting our environment. #EarthDay2018 reinforces our need to promote pristine planet via clean air & water, leaving it better for future generations. Requires leadership & balance,” he tweeted.
Earlier this month GOP Reps. Carlos Curbelo (Fla.), Ileana Ros-lehtinen (Fla.) and Elise Stefanik (N.Y.) also called for Pruitt to step down or be fired.
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The calls for Pruitt to vacate his position as EPA head come amid a flurry of reports on Pruitt’s use of taxpayer money at the agency, including his decision to spend thousands building a soundproof booth in his office, and his repeated use of first-class travel. Pruitt has maintained that both expenses are necessary for privacy and security.
President Trump has offered support for his Cabinet secretary, tweeting in early April that “Scott is doing a great job!”
Pruitt will be on Capitol Hill on Thursday testifying in front of two House committees on the EPA’s budget. He is expected to get a number of questions related to his expenses and travel.