WASHINGTON (December 19, 2016)—President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Rep. Mick Mulvaney of South Carolina as the next director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Mulvaney has a troubling record of opposing science-based rules, making him a dangerous choice for the important role of OMB director, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Below is a statement by Andrew Rosenberg, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at UCS.
“The nomination of Congressman Mick Mulvaney to lead OMB, like many of Trump’s other cabinet level nominations, raises alarm about the direction in which our country is headed. The White House Office of Management and Budget is central to good government—including its role overseeing science-based public health, safety and environmental protections. Rep. Mulvaney has a long record of supporting legislation that would roll back and undermine those protections. He has backed legislation to change the regulatory process in ways that would give an even stronger influence to industry, increase political interference and undermine science-based decision-making. This is directly contrary to public health and safety, and the public interest generally. Real people’s lives will be at stake in the decisions Mulvaney will make at OMB.
“Too often, the voices of people who will be hurt the most by rolling back science-based safeguards are drowned out by industries. The next OMB director needs to enact science-based laws in a timely manner, with a focus on ensuring benefits for all Americans. Senators need to question Rep. Mulvaney on his views about OMB’s role in government, especially how he will use the office to protect people who need help.”