"WASHINGTON — In a politically charged hearing Thursday, Republicans in the House of Representatives accused Energy Secretary Steven Chu of breaking the law in how he handled the restructuring of a loan for the California solar-energy company Solyndra. Chu said he did nothing illegal but instead made a tough decision that gave him the best shot at getting taxpayer money back that had been loaned to the company. Chu said his department's top lawyer said his plan was legal."
"The hearing was filled with political attacks through five hours of questioning. Republicans scolded Chu and fired questions at him about what he knew and when he knew it, often cutting him off as he answered. One after another accused him of breaking the law.
Democrats fired back at Republicans and accused them of mishandling the investigation and siding with the oil, gas and coal industries against renewable energy."
Renee Schoof and William Douglas report for McClatchy Newspapers November 17, 2011.
SEE ALSO:
"Chu Grilled By Republicans On Solyndra Loan" (Reuters)
"Chu Presents Strong Defense of Solyndra Loan Guarantee" (Washington Post)
"Chu: Solyndra Loan Approval Not Political" (Tulsa World)
"Energy Secretary Defends Solyndra Loan" (Hearst)
"Solyndra Has a Cousin in the Poorhouse" (Green/NY Times)
Editorial: "The Energy Department’s Loan Guarantee Program Is the Real Solyndra Scandal" (Washington Post)
"Chu: Solyndra Loan Based on Merits, Not Politics" (AP)
"GOP Grills Steven Chu, Keeps Solyndra Affair Burning" (Politico)
"Steven Chu Balks at Apologizing for Solyndra Loan Guarantee" (USA TODAY)
