Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) led 15 of his colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm demanding the resignation of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition in the Office of Nuclear Energy, Sam Brinton, who was recently put on leave following felony theft charges.

The DOE recently issued notice that Brinton was placed on leave without providing crucial context clarifying that his recent employment status was the result of a felony charge after he stole a woman’s luggage — valued at $2,325. Additionally, the Department has refused to clarify whether Brinton is still receiving his taxpayer-funded salary.

In addition to demanding Brinton’s resignation, the lawmakers urge Secretary Granholm to prioritize helping Americans suffering under the Biden Administration’s self-inflicted energy crisis: “Your Department should be dedicated to a pro-American energy agenda, focusing on restoring energy independence and lowering energy prices across the nation. However, to many Americans, it appears that you are more interested in playing politics and protecting an employee who admitted to felony theft to police than providing real solutions for hard-working Americans.”

“While the Biden Administration has alarmingly embraced Sam Brinton’s disturbing activities as representative of the Department of Energy, it’s completely unacceptable to allow any individual with such a severe lack of judgment to influence policy,” said Clyde. “Employing Brinton after both the felony theft charge and his admission of guilt exemplifies the Left’s adherence to soft-on-crime policies, refusal to deliver accountability, and disrespect for our government agencies. It’s clearly time for Sam Brinton to resign his post at the Department of Energy and for the Biden Administration to begin employing skilled individuals dedicated to fixing the crises created by President Biden’s failed policies.”

“Time and time again, the Administration has filled positions to achieve woke milestones rather than employing qualified individuals charged with forging the future of our nation. Americans simply deserve better,” Clyde added.

Read the Daily Mail’s exclusive on Rep. Clyde’s letter HERE.

Full text of the letter is available HERE.

Co-signers include: Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Yvette Herrell (NM-02), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Barry Moore (AL-02), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Bill Posey (FL-08), Claudia Tenney (NY-22), and Randy Weber (TX-14).