Hirono Statement on Resignation of William Bradford

HONOLULU –Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on William Bradford’s resignation as Director of the Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy after media reports exposed bigoted and misogynistic comments Bradford made online:

“I welcome William Bradford’s resignation from his position as the Director of the Office of Indian Energy. His many offensive online statements, including that the internment of 120,000 Japanese-Americans during World War II was ‘necessary’ are truly beyond the pale, especially as he was appointed to lead an office that serves minority communities.

“It remains deeply troubling, however, that Bradford is only one of a number of top Trump administration officials with a history of racist and misogynistic views. Secretary Perry has still not provided me with an explanation of how Bradford cleared the Department of Energy’s vetting process despite his repugnant online history. I expect these answers to be forthcoming from the Department.”

In June, Senator Hirono led a letter to Secretary of Energy Rick Perry to fire Bradford based on his offensive online statements. Secretary Perry did not reply.

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