Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) said he was disappointed by Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) Chair Martin Gruenberg in a letter to Gruenberg.

The representative’s frustration was because of Gruenberg’s refusal to testify before the House Committee on Financial Services this week related to the claims of sexual harassment and a toxic workplace environment at the FDIC, as reported by the Wall Street Journal in November 2023.

McHenry noted Gruenberg’s last appearance before the committee was on May 15, 2024, in a hearing titled, “Oversight of Prudential Regulators,” where representatives on both sides of the aisle called for answers related to the Wall Street Journal’s report. McHenry stated he requested Gruenberg to appear on June 12 to ask specific questions about the FDIC’s work environment – a request Gruenberg denied.

Gruenberg announced this past spring his intent to resign once a successor was appointed and confirmed.

“Notwithstanding efforts in the Senate to confirm a successor, it appears your remaining time is focused on pursuing the financial regulatory agenda of the Biden-Harris administration rather than cleaning up the FDIC’s workplace,” McHenry wrote. “To that end, on Aug. 14, 2024, committee Republicans requested that you appear on Sept. 19, [for a] hearing to update the committee on your efforts to implement the Cleary Gottlieb recommendations. Your refusal to appear is unacceptable. The committee and the American people deserve an explanation as to why you are pushing a harmful, progressive agenda when serious cultural issues still plague the FDIC.”

In closing, McHenry requested Gruenberg provide a written reason for his refusal to appear before the committee by Sept. 12 and asked the FDIC chair to schedule a transcribed interview with the committee no later than Sept. 30.