Blumenthal Demands Noem Answer for Apparently False Testimony About Lewandowski's Role in DHS Contracts

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem demanding clarification of her apparently false testimony under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the role of Corey Lewandowski in approving federal contracts.

During yesterday’s hearing, Blumenthal asked whether Lewandowski has a role in approving contracts at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Noem responded, “no.” Earlier today, ProPublica reported that internal DHS documents show Lewandowski “personally approved a multimillion-dollar equipment contract at the agency last summer” and “has approved numerous contracts at DHS and often needs to sign off on large ones before any money goes out the door” according to current and former employees.

“The law requires and Congress expects witnesses to provide complete and truthful testimony. There are criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully making materially false statements or representations to Congress,” Blumenthal wrote. “Accordingly, I demand that you amend your testimony to clarify your previous answer, including a full explanation of Mr. Lewandowski’s role at DHS, and provide the basis for your clearly false statement on the record.”

The full text of Blumenthal’s letter is available here and copied below.

Dear Secretary Noem:

Yesterday, during an oversight hearing conducted by the Senate Judiciary Committee, you denied under oath that Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) special government employee Corey Lewandowski has a role in approving DHS contracts. Specifically, when I asked whether Mr. Lewandowski has a role in approving contracts at DHS, you stated unequivocally, “no.”

Evidence suggests that your testimony was false. Internal DHS records show that Mr. Lewandowski has personally approved contracts at DHS, including, but not limited to, a multimillion-dollar contract. And current and former DHS employees have stated that Mr. Lewandowski’s signature is a green light for money to be transmitted to contractors.

The law requires and Congress expects witnesses to provide complete and truthful testimony. There are criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully making materially false statements or representations to Congress. Accordingly, I demand that you amend your testimony to clarify your previous answer, including a full explanation of Mr. Lewandowski’s role at DHS, and provide the basis for your apparent false statement on the record.

Sincerely,

Richard Blumenthal

United States Senator

The video of Blumenthal’s exchange with Noem is available here and a transcript is copied below.

Blumenthal: Let me ask you one last question, Madam Secretary. Does Corey Lewandowski have a role in approving contracts, and if so, what is that role?

Noem: His role is as a special government employee, and special government employees work for the White House and the administration. There are thousands of them.

Blumenthal: So, he does have a role.

Noem: No.

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