Source:
The Hillhttp://thehill.com/leading-the-news/dot-responds-to-waxmans-inquiry-2007-06-13.htmlDoT tells Waxman it didn't break the rules By Kara Oppenheim
June 13, 2007
In response to an inquiry from Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), the Department of Transportation (DoT) said it did not violate any anti-lobbying regulations in dealings with members of Congress on state emissions standards.
In a letter made available to The Hill Wednesday, DoT’s acting general counsel, Rosalind A. Knapp, told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman that department officials sought her advice before contacting members of Congress and assured him that they would not be violating anti-lobbying restrictions.
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Waxman had expressed concern that a voicemail from Heideh Shahmoradi, special assistant for governmental affairs to DoT Secretary Mary Peters, to an unnamed member of Congress may have been an attempt to oppose efforts by California and other states to establish their own motor vehicle standards.
Knapp’s letter refuted any implications of impropriety. “In this case, DoT officials themselves contacted members of Congress, and the matter at issue involved a proceeding pending before the Executive Branch, not legislative action. This activity simply does not implicate the anti-lobbying provisions.”
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