Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), today released the findings of a staff review examining whether Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, nominee to be ambassador to India, was aware of allegations of misconduct by a former senior advisor. The review comprises interviews with 15 witnesses as well as examinations of 26 depositions and other documentary evidence including emails and text messages. Grassley’s investigative staff concluded that Garcetti likely knew, or should have known, that his former senior advisor was sexually harassing and making racist remarks toward multiple individuals. These findings contradict Garcetti’s testimony at a nominations hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Grassley’s office first became aware of claims that Garcetti misled Congress after another Senate office referred a whistleblower to Grassley’s Oversight and Investigations unit – a team of staff with experience investigating misconduct and protecting whistleblowers from reprisal. Grassley notified colleagues that he would object to any effort to unanimously approve Garcetti’s nomination while his investigation was ongoing. He later noted his staff had received multiple versions of a report commissioned by the city of Los Angeles examining Garcetti’s awareness of misconduct by a senior advisor. This includes a version of the report that had not previously been shared with Congress. Grassley’s staff also spoke to several whistleblowers who hadn’t been in contact with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Grassley is making these findings public in the interest of transparency and for the benefit of his colleagues as the Senate fulfills its advice and consent duties. Following the completion of the investigation, Grassley is lifting his hold on the nomination. However, based on what he has learned, Grassley intends to vote “no” if the nomination is considered by the full Senate.
Throughout the investigation, Grassley’s staff made multiple offers to speak with Garcetti. However, Garcetti’s staff did not schedule a discussion.
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