During a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) raised concerns about Samuel Lathem, a nominee for the Amtrak Board of Directors. Blackburn questioned Lathem about his trips to Venezuela and his previous involvement with an agency that was “rife with corruption and scandal.” She also highlighted his lack of experience in the rail industry. The exchange between Blackburn and Lathem can be viewed in a video shared by Forbes Breaking News.
It is important for nominees to undergo thorough scrutiny before assuming positions of responsibility within government agencies. In this case, Senator Blackburn sought clarification on several issues related to Samuel Lathem’s background and qualifications. Her questions focused on his trips to Venezuela, which may have implications for national security or potential conflicts of interest.
Additionally, Blackburn expressed concern about Lathem’s past involvement with an agency that had faced allegations of corruption and scandal. This raises questions about his judgment and ability to effectively serve as a board member for Amtrak.
Furthermore, Senator Blackburn highlighted the fact that Lathem lacks experience in the rail industry. This could potentially hinder his ability to make informed decisions regarding Amtrak’s operations and policies.
this exchange underscores the importance of thoroughly vetting nominees for key positions within government agencies. It is crucial that individuals appointed to such roles possess the necessary qualifications and expertise to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
36 comments
@royarchibald6392
DEI.
@montanausa329
Since when do democrats nominate someone with experience? It’s about who you can control 😊
@kerryluman7288
Every potential candidate must be investigated FIRST , before even being considered for any position, you know, just like Everyone else
@kerryluman7288
How many of tims tampon Dispensers are installed in the Amtrak boys restrooms 😮
@kerryluman7288
Kamal wants to only hire illegal DEI , Lets see what hussains picks are😮
@mattwilliams3427
But…diversity!!!!!
@bigron8346
Pushing another DEI nominee!
@toplarry
Strange very strange.
@Lacey_Face
Obamas Admin took over Amtrak with bail outs in that 789 BILLION omnibus bill. Remember he took profitable GM car dealers and gave them to failing demonrat dealers? His Commie redistribution of wealth crap.
@jeffreyc6508
Today is September 12th 2024, tomorrow September 13th i will not recall writing this,
@gregmcmullen6698
Smug and Arrogant. The bling is a pre-requisite for maintaining corruption. Good pick to head one of the worst run organizations in the government. Maybe he should run the USPS, instead. He's just as qualified for that role.
@user-vu7hg1sq4y
Republican lawmakers are FAULTY EQUIPMENT to diplomacy
@kimknowles3681
Make every government agencie, The post office and Amtrac stand on their own. There is way to much corruption there.
@cindyhamblin5673
Dei hire, that's the Demrat moniker!
@jasonlarsen3515
Mf’er said ditto😂
@lincolnprojectnemesis3253
Having no experience is a prerequisite for this administration.
@jeffhatmaker817
Latham is a smug, arrogant smart-aleck and isn’t qualified to serve in government. This nonsense needs to end.
@georgehalkias9278
Because.hes.black..n..a………democrap..voter..hes.getting..the.amtrack.job..😂
@douglaskerr6813
The only qualification these folks have they saw a train once or played with toy train at Christmas
@ShrobsImprov
Have you ever seen a map of all the abandoned railroads in the US? This is nonsense
@kelanders
This shows why DEI is the dumbest ideology ever
@TERRY-cb2ku
More taxpayer money flushed down the drain because the money won't go into the infrastructure it was appropriated for.
@ronnieterry4916
Am track well this is a very mis managed program that receives lots of us government money.
@WiseGuy5674
So, the only person on that panel that has zero experience in the rail, industry is the guilty looking..hands on his face because he knows people are on to him..black man?
Curious. Did I just make a racism?🤔😎
@Ackermanmedia
What is it with these people being nominated having zero experience? Are they trying to show the American people that you don't need to try harder or work more to become successful?
@MrMcgooOG
All you have to say is the Delaware River Bay Authority. CORRUPTION at its finest
@scottjohnson7780
Is this a surprise to anyone? Only the government would hire someone that has no experience in the field that they are being considered for and expect positive results.
@herbrice8933
100% DEI Hire
@flyinwalenda
Latham seems like he would fit right in with Henyard in Dolton.
@waynelucier1678
The only experience he has is being a DEI
@clydesuckfinger8068
Why is the Federal government involved with running a railroad? I’d be willing to bet, if AMTRAK was a private entity it’d be profitable, unlike now where it hasn’t shown a profit, probably ever.
@mickeyandres2651
More lives will be lost over his zero experience…..
This DEI garbage has to end.
@scwps23
When JB KH nominates people based on DEI instead of qualifications this is what happens.
@user-dr6yo7rd2r
An arrogant POs. But he fits the dems criteria.
@CrabFiles
I have no experience either, maybe they should nominate me to be the head of the Department of Defense. I can kick back contracts like you wouldn't believe, a money tree growing… All they gotta do is nominate me and I will make it rain for them as long as they shake my money tree…
Just in case your wondering, my pee pee isn't pink or white 😛 So, I should pass the pee pee check…
@SuperDean1957
Am Track is broken because of government substites and not allowing the free market to control rail transportation. No DEI can fix a thing. Especially one with zero qualifications or morals.