WASHINGTON \u2014 Senior lawmakers from both political parties are complaining to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over what they see as a lack of transparency in dealing with the public, press and Congress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a letter sent to Pompeo on Monday, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee called for the State Department to resume daily press briefings, which have been sharply curtailed since Pompeo took over three months ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez said the lack of briefings is problematic at a time of major foreign policy developments and that the public deserves accountability. He noted the department has averaged less than one briefing a week since Pompeo took over. Under previous administrations, there were daily press briefings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“At a time of unprecedented, head-spinning developments for U.S. foreign policy, our relationship with our allies, and our role on the world stage, the lack of interaction with the American public and the world via the press is particularly concerning,” Menendez wrote. “The American people deserve transparency.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Menendez said he would press Pompeo on the matter when he testifies before the Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the State Department had received Menendez’ letter and “will respond accordingly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, Pompeo is taking heat for not also testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The Foreign Affairs Committee needs to hear from Secretary Pompeo soon on timely and critical issues, including Russia, NATO and North Korea,” said Cory Fritz, a spokesman for the chairman of the committee, California Republican Ed Royce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nauert said Pompeo’s hectic schedule, which took him to California this week to meet with Australian officials, will keep him from testifying twice in the same week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“His schedule this week does not allow for a second day of hearings,” she said. “He holds both chambers in high regard and looks forward to continued cooperation with Congress.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AP writer Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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