Army Corps of Engineers officials faced tough questions Wednesday from Democrats over budget cuts and the agency’s tinkering of water levels in an Ohio river to accommodate Vice President JD Vance’s security crew.
Adam Telle, assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, defended the Army Corps’ changing of water levels in the Little Miami River during a boating trip for the vice president last month. The decision, reported by the Guardian, was requested by the Secret Service to ensure Vance “was not under threat,” Telle said.
“It was a successful use of our water resources to ensure we protect a Secret Services protectee,” he said in response to questioning from Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio).
“I appreciate your answer. It is not satisfactory, in my estimation,” said Sykes, who asked whether changing water levels for the vice president amounted to an efficient use of agency resources.
