Recently, the House of Representatives approved a bill that would reduce Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s salary to only $1.  The measure was voted on earlier this week as an addition to the 2024 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who introduced the bill, has unapologetically criticized Buttigieg, alleging that he has misused his position in the federal government in such a manner that American taxpayers should not be responsible for funding.

“I’m proud to announce my amendment to FIRE Pete Buttigieg just PASSED the House. Pothole Pete staged fake bike rides to the White House and used private planes funded by taxpayers to receive awards for the way certain people have sex,” Greene said in a social media post. “American taxpayers should not be on the hook for paying for his lavish trips or his salary.”  It should be noted that although Greene states the amendment seeks to “fire” Pete Buttigieg, it would only reduce his salary to a mere $1.

Greene further alleged that Buttigieg does not fulfill the duties he is charged with as Transportation Secretary.  “Pete Buttigieg doesn’t do his job. It’s all about fake photo ops and taxpayer-funded private jet trip to accept LGBTQ awards for him,” the representative said. “I’m happy my amendment passed, but he doesn’t deserve a single penny.”

During Buttigieg’s tenure under the Biden administration, he has received harsh criticism from Republicans over his management of several high-profile crises under his watch.  For example, when the disastrous train derailment that leaked hazardous chemicals into East Palestine, Ohio, occurred, Buttigieg was slammed for inaction and waiting several weeks before visiting the location.

Furthermore, the Transportation Secretary has come under fire for several incidents involving mass commercial airline cancellations and delays.  Buttigieg has faced subsequent calls from both sides of the aisle to take action and prevent such events from continuing to occur.

APT Executive Director Caitlin Sutherland lambasted Buttigieg, suggesting he is betraying the interests of the American taxpayers who pay for his salary and expensive trips on private jets.  Sutherland also claimed Buttigieg has refused to comply with investigations into his use of private government jets.

“Secretary Buttigieg continues to blow off the American people who simply want to know the true cost of his taxpayer-funded private jet trips,” Sutherland said.  “After multiple FOIA requests, a lawsuit, and an ongoing inspector general investigation, Buttigieg’s office still refuses to provide vital details about using a private government jet for a swing state tour, which appears more akin to campaigning than official DOT business.”

The APT Executive Director also denounced a lack of accountability that is not only observed in Secretary Buttigieg but within the broader Biden administration as well.  “Buttigieg looks to be politicizing his role and making it clear that he believes he’s above accountability and transparency, a dismissive attitude that seems to be endemic throughout the Biden administration,” Sutherland added.

The House of Representatives has also introduced other forms of legislation to reduce the salaries of additional members of the Biden administration.  For example, Rep. Claudia Tenney brought forth an amendment to reduce Karine Jean-Pierre’s salary to $1 as well.