Sen. Barrasso Calls for Investigation into Why Sam Brinton Was Not Vetted

Republican Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., is calling for an internal investigation into the vetting and security clearance process involving the recruitment of non-binary Sam Brinton, the BIDEN-appointed nuclear waste official facing jail for theft.

Barrasso, the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said he was renewing calls to disclose the agency’s vetting process for employees and appointees.

The Republican said DOE and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm repeatedly ignored his previous requests for answers.

“It is clear as day that felons should not hold security clearances,” Barrasso told Fox News Digital.

“For months, I’ve been demanding answers from the Department of Energy on their failed security clearance process. Secretary Granholm has provided none.”

“When people are appointed to critical positions with important national security responsibilities, Americans must be confident they can be trusted,” he continued.

“The department must launch a thorough investigation into the vetting process. They have to respond to legitimate oversight inquiries. It’s in our national security interest.”

Brinton, who served as the DOE’s deputy assistant secretary for spent fuel and waste disposition, has since been removed from his position. An agency spokesperson refused to give further details saying the DOE isn’t allowed to “comment further on personnel matters.”

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Last week, Brinton was accused of stealing another woman’s luggage from an airport.

As The Daily Fetched reported, investigators confirmed Brinton had been accused of stealing luggage from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, and a felony warrant has been issued.

“A felony warrant was issued for Sam Brinton, a deputy assistant secretary, sources said. The charge is for grand larceny with a value between $1,200 and $5,000, records showed,” 8NewsNow reported.

The news came just weeks after Brinton was arrested for stealing a navy blue Vera Bradley roller bag at Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) International Airport.

Brinton now faces up to 15 years in prison.

Brinton also allegedly stole jewelry valued at $1,700, clothing worth $850, and makeup valued at $500 inside a bag taken at the Las Vegas airport.

As Fox News noted:

In both cases, detectives reported that Brinton exhibited similar behavior when taking the two bags. According to security camera footage reviewed by police, in each instance, Brinton approached the baggage carousel before looking around quickly, taking the suitcases and hurrying away.

Las Vegas police initially closed their case into the stolen baggage in July after they were unable to determine the suspect’s identity. But they reopened the case after seeing media reports late last month about Brinton’s alleged theft in Minnesota.

While investigators in Las Vegas were unable to contact Brinton, an MSP airport police officer was able to speak with Brinton in a brief phone call.

“If I had taken the wrong bag, I am happy to return it, but I don’t have any clothes for another individual,” Brinton told the officer. “That was my clothes when I opened the bag.”

Brinton then called the officer back hours later, admitting he had not been “completely honest” and blaming the theft on tiredness.

Barrasso wrote to Granholm, asking her to answer several questions about the DOE’s process for vetting and security clearances.

He then sent a third letter to Granholm on Friday, demanding answers.

“As I stated in my last letter, the Deputy Assistant Secretary’s security clearance needs to be immediately revoked, and the Department needs to undertake all necessary steps to terminate Brinton’s employment immediately,” Barrasso wrote.

“The Department’s failure to remove an individual who has now been charged with multiple felonies from its most senior ranks is shameful, inexplicable, and actively eroding the trust of the public it serves.”

“This is my third straight letter to you in a series of unanswered inquiries related to Department personnel and national security,” he added.