Interior Watchdog Launches ‘Preliminary Investigation’ Into Zinke Calls

"The Interior Department’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) says it has begun a 'preliminary investigation' into reports that Secretary Ryan Zinke made phone calls pushing Alaska's senators to support a GOP healthcare bill or risk losing federal support for economic development efforts in their state.

“The OIG is undertaking a preliminary investigation into this matter,” Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall said in a letter to two House Democrats on Thursday.

“We will advise you about what further action the results of this inquiry lead the OIG to take.”"

Devin Henry reports for The Hill August 3, 2017.

SEE ALSO:

"After Last Week’s Controversy, Murkowski And Zinke Meet Up To Share Alaska Ales" (Alaska Dispatch News)

"Democrats Vow Investigation, Lawsuit Over ‘Political Blackmail’ Against Murkowski" (Politico)

"Fallout Spreads From Zinke's Alaska Arm-Twist" (Politico)