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Krishnamoorthi presses Mullin on contractor influence within DHS
Krishnamoorthi demanded details on internal reviews, ethics inquiries, and corrective measures in response to recent allegations.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Thu, 16, Apr 2026
- 02:15 EDT
- 19
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi / REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
In a letter directed to the newly appointed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has expressed concern over reports of non-career personnel allegedly exercising improper influence over the functioning of DHS.
Citing reports claiming that former aide and Special Government Employee Corey Lewandowski “exceeded the statutory limits of his role as a Special Government Employee” and “exercised influence far beyond what is legally permitted,” Krishnamoorthi raised grave concerns about conflicts of interest and misuse of public office.
He noted that the improper influence exercised over core agency functions at DHS and FEMA by Special Government Employees, contractors and other non-career personnel raised serious concerns about shadow operations, ethics compliance and a broader breakdown in oversight across the department.
ALSO READ: Krishnamoorthi seeks investigation into Trump officials’ use of war intelligence
Krishnamoorthi also cited reports that contractor Kara Voorhies exercised “outsized and deeply inappropriate influence” over FEMA operations and spending decisions, allegedly functioning as a “shadow administrator,” to further substantiate his concerns with the agency.
In the letter, Krishnamoorthi warned that “what may have initially appeared to be isolated misconduct instead reflected a broader breakdown in internal controls, ethics compliance and oversight across the department.”
He further said, “These reports raise profound concerns about a systemic failure of oversight and accountability within DHS, in which a Special Government Employee operating beyond the lawful bounds of his authority appears to have enabled a contractor to exercise similarly improper influence over core governmental functions.”
Urging Mullin to investigate the concerns and take appropriate action, Krishnamoorthi urged the DHS secretary to not only identify and hold the perpetrators accountable but also put safeguards in place to “prevent such misconduct from recurring.”
In the letter, the congressman asked what actions the DHS has taken, or is planning to take, to stop Special Government Employees, contractors and other non-career staff from exceeding their authority or performing inherently governmental functions at FEMA and across the department.
He also demanded details on any internal reviews, ethics inquiries, Office of Inspector General referrals and corrective measures to restore chain-of-command integrity and accountability.
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