The Latest: House seeks records of EPA chief’s travel

WASHINGTON – The Latest on a congressional request for travel records of Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt (all times local):

6:50 p.m.

A Republican-led congressional committee is demanding records related to premium-class flights taken by Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt.

House Oversight Chairman Trey Gowdy is seeking an accounting of all flights taken by Pruitt over the last year and whether the ticket was coach, business or first class. The EPA administrator defended his use of premium-class airfare in media interviews, saying security concerns were raised after unpleasant interactions with other passengers.

The South Carolina Republican’s letter cites the evolving explanations of EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox, who initially said Pruitt had a “blanket waiver” to fly first class before then saying a separate waiver had been granted for each flight. Federal employees are typically supposed to fly coach, and rules bar blanket waivers.

Wilcox says the EPA will respond to Gowdy “through the proper channel.”

___

6:30 p.m.

A Republican-led congressional committee is demanding records related to premium-class flights taken by Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt.

House Oversight Chairman Trey Gowdy is seeking an accounting of all flights taken by Pruitt over the last year and whether the ticket was coach, business or first class. The EPA administrator defended his use of premium-class airfare in media interviews, saying security concerns were raised after unpleasant interactions with other passengers.

The South Carolina Republican’s letter cites the evolving explanations of EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox, who initially said Pruitt had a “blanket waiver” to fly first class before then saying a separate waiver had been granted for each flight. Federal employees are typically supposed to fly coach, and rules bar blanket waivers.

EPA did not respond to messages seeking comment.