Committee report led by Smith finds DoE misconduct related to research program

Department of Energy (DoE) officials withheld information from Congress and removed a scientist for assisting a congressional inquiry into alleged misconduct in the Low Dose Radiation Research Program, according to a new report.

The report, titled “U.S. Department of Energy Misconduct Related to Low Dose Radiation Research Program,” follows an investigation led by U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), the chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.

Established under the Low Dose Radiation Research Act of 2014, H.R. 5544, the DoE program researches low dose radiation to help better understand and mitigate risks and uncertainty resulting from human exposure to it.

“Instead of providing the type of scientific information needed by Congress to legislate effectively, senior departmental officials sought to hide information, lobbied against legislation, and retaliated against a scientist for being forthcoming,” Smith said. “In this staff report based on lengthy record before the committee, much has been revealed about how senior level agency officials under the Obama administration retaliated against a scientist who did not follow the party line.”

The report found that DoE senior officials intentionally withheld information from congressional staff, gave misleading statements to Congress and sought to manipulate both Republican and Democratic congressional staff.

“Moving forward, the department needs to overhaul its management practices to ensure that Congress is provided the information it requires to legislate and that federal employees and scientists who provide that information do so without fear of retribution,” Smith said.

The report concluded that the DoE exhibited disregard for the legislative process and constitutional separation of powers, and that its management practices must be overhauled to ensure constitutional responsibilities are carried out.