Watchdog Files Lawsuit Against FAA
A government watchdog organization filed a lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), accusing the agency of withholding the release of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s flight records, as reported by Fox News Digital.
Accusations of Taxpayer Dollar Abuse
“Buttigieg abused taxpayer dollars by using a private jet to fly domestically and internationally,” said Caitlin Sutherland
“Buttigieg abused taxpayer dollars by using a private jet to fly domestically and internationally,” said Caitlin Sutherland, executive director of Americans for Public Trust, the organization behind the lawsuit.
FAA Under Fire for Delayed Release of Flight Records
The lawsuit alleges that the FAA has improperly delayed the release of the flight records requested by Americans for Public Trust. The organization has made multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking detailed information about Buttigieg’s travels.
Requests for Information Ignored
“The FAA has not communicated with APT concerning whether the FAA will fulfill its FOIA requests since missing two self-imposed extended deadlines,” stated the lawsuit. The FAA has failed to provide a response or indicate when the requested records will be processed.
APT Demands Immediate Action and Full Disclosure
APT is demanding that the FAA promptly respond to their FOIA requests and disclose all responsive, non-exempt records related to Buttigieg’s flights. The organization emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending.
Accountability and Transparency Advocated
“We’re filing suit on behalf of all Americans who deserve to know how their money is being spent by this administration,” stated Caitlin Sutherland
“We’re filing suit on behalf of all Americans who deserve to know how their money is being spent by this administration,” said Caitlin Sutherland, expressing concerns about Buttigieg’s extravagant travel arrangements and the FAA’s refusal to adhere to the law for releasing public records.
Ongoing Investigation and FAA’s Response
The Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General launched an investigation into Buttigieg’s travel in late February. The investigation aims to address claims about Buttigieg’s mode of travel and provide clarity on the issue.
“We welcome this independent audit moving forward in order to put some of the false, outlandish, and cynical claims about the Secretary’s mode of travel to rest,” stated a Department of Transportation spokesperson.
FAA’s Silence on the Matter
The FAA did not provide an immediate response to News 9 Miami’s request for comment, leaving questions unanswered about the agency’s handling of the flight records and the ongoing lawsuit.
The lawsuit and investigation highlight the need for transparency and accountability in government practices. The outcome of this legal battle will determine whether Buttigieg’s flight records will be disclosed, shedding light on the alleged misuse of taxpayer dollars and setting a precedent for transparency in government spending.
