Oversight committee wants to see Pruitt’s travel records

WASHINGTON — A Republican-led congressional committee is demanding records related to premium-class flights taken by Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt.

House Oversight Chairman Trey Gowdy issued a letter to Pruitt this week seeking an accounting of all flights taken by the EPA administrator over the last year and whether the ticket was coach, business or first class. Pruitt defended his use of premium-class airfare in media interviews earlier this month, saying security concerns were raised after unpleasant interactions with other passengers.

The South Carolina Republican’s letter sent Tuesday specifically cites the evolving explanations of EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox, who initially told reporters that Pruitt had a “blanket waiver” to fly first class before then saying separate waivers had been granted by ethics officials for each flight. Federal employees are typically supposed to fly coach, and travel rules bar such blanket waivers.

“We will respond to Chairman Gowdy through the proper channel,” Wilcox said Wednesday.

Pruitt has been under increasing scrutiny for his jet setting since his appointment by President Donald Trump last year. Records show Pruitt’s airfare is often several times more expensive than that of aides booked on the same flights.

Gowdy’s letter says the requested records are to be provided to his committee by March 6.

“Federal regulations require government travelers to obtain approval or authorization from their agency to use accommodations other than coach-class when traveling on official business,” Gowdy wrote. “Clearly, federal regulations prohibit a blanket waiver to fly first class.”