The House Ethics Committee is investigating allegations that Rep. Raúl Grijalva, R-Ariz., created a hostile work environment.
The ethics inquiry into the Arizona Democrat comes four years after his committee paid almost $50,000 to settle a complaint from a female staffer who said that Grijalva’s alcohol use created a hostile work environment.
Despite the 2015 settlement, Grijalva insisted that investigators would find no evidence of wrongdoing.
“I’m proud of the positive and professional work environment I’ve worked hard to create for my staff. I look forward to finally clearing this up and putting the issue to rest once and for all,” Grijalva said in a statement.
Grijalva is chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. He is also an ardent critic of President Trump and a close ally of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California.
His alleged alcohol abuse has previously been criticized, including by former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who said in a tweet that it was “hard for [Grijalva] to think straight from the bottom of the bottle.”
My thoughts on Rep. Grijalva’s opinion piece. #TuneInnForMore pic.twitter.com/VMGxdtHwvU
— Secretary Ryan Zinke (@SecretaryZinke) November 30, 2018
When questioned whether he has a drinking problem or if alcohol has caused issues while on the job, the congressman denied the allegations.
“I do not work while drunk and have never had a hostile workplace environment,” he said.
