nited States Senate WASHINGTON, DC 20510 March 2, 2017 Mr. Mark Gabriel Administrator and CEO Western Area Power Administration P.O, Box 281213 Lakewood, CO 80228 Dear Administrator Gabriel, We write to seek an update on the actions that the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) is taking in regard to the reports of waste, fraud and abuse raised in reports by ABC/S in Phoenix early this week Allegations by former employees of WAPA efforts to stifle investigations into fraudulent or wasteful purchases are extremely troubling. ‘We understand that WAPA has been working on a strategy to reduce unobligated balances and you have discussed this with our offices. Nevertheless, documented cases of wasteful spending and growing unobligated balances, whether from excess funds from the treasury or ratepayers, presents significant implications for taxpayers and ratepayers. Your customers and all taxpayers deserve a clear understanding of where their dollars are being spent ‘As you are aware, WAPA oversight is the purview of the Subcommittee on Water and Power of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. As the new Chairman of this subcommittee, Senator Flake looks forward to working closely with WAPA, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the DOE inspector general to ensure Congress and the WAPA customers have a clear view of WAPA’s finances. With the foregoing in mind, please provide our offices with the following: 1, An update into actions taken by WAPA regarding reporting this week by ABC/5 on waste, fraud and abuse throughout the ageney. 2. An update on how WAPA intends to comply with requests by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Committee for financial documents and information, as we understand WAPA has not fully complied with these requests by the Committee. ‘We thank you in advance for your continued time and attention to these issues. As always, we ask that this matter be handled in strict accordance with all applicable agency rules, regulations, and ethical guidelines. i JEFF FLAKE United States Senator incerely,