California Senator Adam Schiff is leading calls for such an investigation. Just last week, he pledged to hold hearings on the Trump administration’s decision to raise the water level of an Ohio lake, burying historical artifacts. This alteration facilitated a family boating trip for JD Vance, a prominent supporter of the former president, on his birthday. That question then begs the larger question of whether it is appropriate to use federal resources for activities that are explicitly personal in nature.
The brouhaha originally emerged into public view after The Guardian reported the lake’s water level change last week. Schiff sounded his warning bells on the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). He shredded their proposal to oblivion and accused them of perverting public goods to enrich themselves. He noted that Congress and the public deserve a full explanation of the decision-making process and related documentation leading to this change.
Schiff’s letter mentioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth by name. He further pointed his comments in the direction of the leadership of the Army Corps of Engineers. He asked for explanation of the rationale behind altering the lake’s outflow and emphasized ongoing misappropriation of federal funds.
“Accordingly, I request an explanation of this USACE action and a commitment to no longer using federal resources for such unjustified and frivolous purposes,” – Adam Schiff
Those changes to the lake’s water level had a huge impact. Because of those changes, Vance’s family enjoyed a wonderful canoeing trip to celebrate his third birthday. Telling Americans to buy their way into family bonding Will Martin, Vance’s communications director, justified this family trip in a joint statement published by Breitbart. And he blamed Democratic Party critics for mischaracterizing the reality. So they set out to make it a story about elitism.
“The far-left media is desperate to smear Vice-President Vance and they’ve hit a new low by attacking him for enjoying his birthday with his wife and kids,” – Will Martin
For instance, Martin’s claim that Democrats are out of touch with the way real families run their household budgets. He said the concept of a family trip on a canoe is “totally foreign” to them. He rejected Schiff’s assertions as politically motivated efforts to damage Vance.
The fundamental question is whether it is ever proper to use federal funds for personal benefit. This anxiety is compounded as the administration goes forward with slashing spending across multiple federal departments, limiting access to enjoyment for American families. Schiff added that such neglect is especially worrisome given these proposed cuts.
“The misuse of public water resources for the vice-president’s family is particularly offensive considering this administration’s cuts to federal agencies, cuts which are already harming outdoor recreation opportunities for American families,” – Adam Schiff
While Adam Schiff’s blistering scrutiny has focused specific attention on the Pentagon’s accounting failings, it has exposed deeper, systemic problems with agency accountability. He sounded the alarm on a deadly worry. The Army Corps of Engineers may have inappropriately waived key documentation requirements that serve to identify and justify risks associated with departures from established practice.
This incident has huge political ramifications. It lays bare the unmistakable and continuing tension between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration’s industry connections. Schiff for accountability above all else. We hope this push comes to ignite more and deeper questioning about how government resources are utilized, especially among big name political stars.