WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John D (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement regarding the resignation of NASA Inspector General Robert Cobb:
 
“Only a few short weeks ago, Senator McCaskill and I expressed deep concerns to President Obama that the NASA Inspector General, Robert Cobb, had been repeatedly accused of stifling investigations, retaliating against whistleblowers and prioritizing social relationships with top NASA officials over proper federal oversight.  I respectfully asked that the President take immediate action to put an end to IG Cobb’s conflict of interest and cronyism and remove him from the system.
 
“News of Robert Cobb’s resignation is certainly welcome and this is an important step forward.  I applaud the White House for taking a zero tolerance approach to lax enforcement and oversight.  President Obama is setting the tone from the top and holding all employees who serve the American people accountable for improper conduct and just plain not doing their jobs.  The time has come to close the door on this troubling chapter for NASA and a fresh start awaits.”
 
***(SEE ATTACHED LETTER)***
 
 
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