Emily Murphy, head of the General Services Administration, is finally ready to do her job and start the transition process to the Biden administration. Her decision came after Michigan certified the state’s votes late Monday.
#Breaking: GSA’s Emily Murphy signs off and says the transition can begin, per @KristenhCNN pic.twitter.com/S6YKKQBrQR
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) November 23, 2020
After the letter from Murphy, Trump acknowledged it was time for his “team” to also start the transition process.
…fight, and I believe we will prevail! Nevertheless, in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 23, 2020
Statement from Biden-Harris Transition Executive Director @YohannesAbraham on GSA’s ascertainment tonight: pic.twitter.com/0T7LcTgI72
— Kate Bedingfield (@KBeds) November 23, 2020
This came after Murphy refused to attend a hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform Monday. The Congressional Committee wanted to question her over her refusal to sign off on paperwork that would allow for the transition process to the Biden administration. Murphy, a Donald Trump loyalist thumbed her nose at the committee, instead, saying she would send her deputy a week from today.
In response to House Oversight & Appropriations committees demanding briefing on why GSA hasn't signed off on Biden transition, GSA spox says a briefing will be offered 11/30 from Deputy Administrator Allison Brigati.
House committees had demanded a response by today.
— Cristina Marcos (@cimarcos) November 23, 2020
Monday afternoon Politico reported that House Democrats rejected Murphy’s offer. Luckily it seems that appearance may now be moot.
“Every additional day that is wasted is a day that the safety, health, and well-being of the American people is imperiled as the incoming Biden-Harris Administration is blocked from fully preparing for the coronavirus pandemic, our nation’s dire economic crisis, and our national security,” said House Oversight Committee Chair Carolyn Maloney, House Appropriations Committee Chair Nita Lowey and Reps. Gerry Connolly and Mike Quigley.
The lawmakers have instead indicated they want a briefing from Murphy on Tuesday and offered her a range of times throughout the day based on her convenience. They also offered to set up a telephone conference call if she is unable to utilize video conference services.
Before this news came down, many people were already saying that Murphy’s actions were extremely unethical and dangerous, this should only amplify that. Los Angeles Times writer Virginia Heffernan remarked (watch above), “She will go down as one of the great obstructors and liars for Trump of our time.”
If @GSAEmily does not allow for the transition to begin this week, she will go down as one of the most infamous figures in recent American history. Maybe it's too late for her to recover her reputation, but she has a chance to do the right thing in the next 48 hours.
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) November 23, 2020
And it looks like late Monday, she did the right thing, though it came much later than it should have.