Senators call every hour until Inauguration critical to addressing the nation’s challenges, remind Murphy of long-established legal requirements
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee holds oversight responsibility for the General Services Administration
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (Both D-Md.) sent the following letter today to General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Emily Murphy, urging her to follow the law and authorize the presidential transition. Senator Cardin is Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has oversight responsibility for the GSA. Senator Van Hollen sits on both the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the GSA.
In their letter, the senators underscored the urgency of a timely transition, both for our nation and the many federal agencies that are located in our state and employ Marylanders.
“We hope you will recognize that every hour between now and January 20, 2021 is critical for the transition team’s preparations for taking on the multiple, pressing challenges our nation faces. In the spirit of national unity and common purpose in addressing the needs of the American people, we request that you extend the necessary funding, resources, and assistance to the transition team upon their request and without delay,” the senators wrote, reminding Administrator Murphy of the 1963 law requiring her to certify the start of the transition.
The full letter follows and can be downloaded here.
November 9, 2020
The Honorable Emily W. Murphy
Administrator
General Services Administration
1800 F Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20405
Dear Administrator Murphy:
We write to urge your full and prompt cooperation with the transition team of President-elect Biden and Vice-President-elect Harris under the authority provided to you under the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 (P.L. 88-277).
As this law states:
The national interest requires that such transitions in the office of President be accomplished so as to assure continuity in the faithful execution of the laws and in the conduct of the affairs of the Federal Government, both domestic and foreign. Any disruption occasioned by the transfer of the executive power could produce results detrimental to the safety and well-being of the United States and its people. Accordingly, it is the intent of the Congress that appropriate actions be authorized and taken to avoid or minimize any disruption.
We hope you will recognize that every hour between now and January 20, 2021 is critical for the transition team’s preparations for taking on the multiple, pressing challenges our nation faces. In the spirit of national unity and common purpose in addressing the needs of the American people, we request that you extend the necessary funding, resources, and assistance to the transition team upon their request and without delay.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and request a response by the end of the week with details on the actions you are taking to support a smooth transition of power to the next administration.
Sincerely,
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