Issa Statement on Agency Dropping Charges Against Calif. Tree-Trimmer

WASHINGTON – Today, House Oversight and Government Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., issued the following statement in response to the news that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Justice will not be pursuing charges against Ernesto Pulido, a California tree-trimmer who unintentionally injured five baby birds while performing a job for which the U.S. Postal Service had hired him.

“I’m glad to hear that in the case of Mr. Pulido, the bureaucratic bullies have backed down. The decision to press charges in the first place seems to have been based more on public outcry from outside groups and less on common sense. Mr. Pulido made a mistake, but took responsibility and made substantial efforts to make amends. The Committee still has unanswered questions about this entire head-scratching incident and looks forward to hearing directly from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which must still comply with the Committee’s document request.”

On May 28, 2014, Issa sent a letter to the FWS questioning the agency’s decision to pursue federal prosecution in the case. The letter requested FWS provide documents and communications about its decision by June 4, 2014.