Congressmen from the state of Florida, Mike Waltz (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), and Brian Mast (R-FL) sent a letter to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken regarding Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (SPE) John Kerry and his tendencies in his position, especially his travel habits.
During a July 13 hearing, Reps. Waltz, Mills, and Mast requested records including “commercial, MILAIR, and private travel paid for with federal funds, and a list of everyone he has met with since taking office.” Kerry agreed to hand those records over, but the legislators are still questioning his unprecedented transportation practices.
The representatives have concerns about SPE Kerry’s usage of chartered Military Aircraft (MILAIR) and private planes, as well as his carbon footprint surrounding his alternative traveling methods, paid for with federal funds.
“In 2017, former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price came under heavy scrutiny for using military aircraft for international trips to Europe and Asia that cost over $500,000,” wrote the lawmakers. “SPE Kerry testified in that hearing that, ‘I have flown five times in the last two-and-a-half years on MILAIR.’ What were the exceptional circumstances that required the use of this aircraft?”
In the letter, the Florida Congressmen were pleased that Kerry would hand over his records.
However, they found it uncharacteristic of his office to do, citing a habitual lack of transparency surrounding his appointed capacity.
“Thirdly, SPE Kerry also agreed to hand over all his official travel records. This is very welcome, since State’s perceived lack of transparency on his activity has been a key area of concern for my colleagues and I (Waltz) on the committee. Not only is there no website for SPE Kerry’s office on the official State Department web page, but the identities of his staff – from the most senior to the most junior – were completely unknown before our hearing on July 13,” the Florida Republicans wrote.
Following the letter being made public, Rep. Mills stated that “the public deserves answers.”
Last week, John Kerry lied to my face and lied to America. After witnessing his flagrant disregard for truth before Congress, I am proud to stand with @RepWaltzPress in co-signing his letter.
It's crucial to address the concerns surrounding Special Envoy Kerry's actions and…
— Rep. Cory Mills 🇺🇸 (@RepMillsPress) July 18, 2023
“Last week, John Kerry lied to my face and lied to America. After witnessing his flagrant disregard for truth before Congress, I am proud to stand with Rep. Waltz in co-signing his letter. It's crucial to address the concerns surrounding Special Envoy Kerry's actions and statements. The use of MILAIR and private jets, his personal carbon emissions, and transparency issues must be addressed. We demand flight records and meeting details for accountability. Secretary Blinken, the public deserves answers!” said Mills.
The Florida representatives requested all of Kerry’s flight and meeting records by August 1.
