Orrin Hatch: “I am absolutely astounded that people would come here and try to try Billy Dale again. I am now going to quote Mr.…”

“I am absolutely astounded that people would come here and try to try Billy Dale again. I am now going to quote Mr. Watkins: On Monday morning, you came to my office and met with me and Patsy Thomasson. At that meeting, you explained this was on the First Lady's radar screen. The message you conveyed to me was clear: immediate action must be taken. I explained to you that I had decided to terminate the Travel Office employees, and you expressed relief that we were finally going to take action (to resolve the situation in conformity with the First Lady's wishes.) We both knew that there would be hell to pay if after our failure in the Secret Service situation earlier, we failed to take swift and decisive action in conformity with the First Lady's wishes. You then approved the decision to terminate the Travel Office staff, and I indicated I would send you a memorandum outlining the decision and plan, which I did. This is a memorandum, which is marked privileged and confidential, is from David Watkins in response to the internal White House Travel Office Management Review. The White House even admits they were doing the wrong things. The distinguished Senator from Michigan claims this case should be referred to the Claims Court because the Senate has not done a report on the issue. I disagree: the facts in this case are not in dispute. The reason you have a Claims Court proceedings is because you have disputed facts. In this case, the facts are not in dispute.”