House and Senate Democrats slammed President Donald Trump’s decision to fire Democratic Nuclear Regulatory Commission Member Christopher Hanson on Monday. They called the move illegal.
The dismissal is part of the administration’s effort to exert greater control over independent agencies. The firing also means Democrats no longer have a majority on the panel.
“Trump’s lawlessness threatens the Commission’s ability to ensure that nuclear power plants and nuclear materials are safe and free from political interference,” said a statement from Senate Environment and Public Works ranking member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Appropriations ranking member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Energy and Natural Resources ranking member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).
“In removing NRC Commissioner Hanson, Trump has overstepped his authority, jeopardizing U.S. nuclear leadership at a critical time,” the senators said.
