Denver, CO - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement today: 

"I am pleased the White House finally took action to replace Special Counsel Scott Bloch.  Since taking office, Mr. Bloch has undermined the merit system and denied statutory protections to federal workers who have sought assistance from his office.  It is imperative that the Department of Justice and the Office of Personnel Management continue their investigations into the allegations against Mr. Bloch to ensure that federal workers' rights are not infringed upon. 

"I hope the next president will appoint a new Special Counsel that will respect the rights of federal workers, fight discrimination based on one's sexual orientation, support whistleblowers, and work to restore credibility and respect to the Office of Special Counsel."

The White House announced today that William E. Reukauf will be the Acting Special Counsel.

Senator Akaka is Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia.  Akaka is currently travelling on oversight visits to VA and military facilities.  

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