After hearing, Appalachian Voices says senators should reject controversial TVA board nominee Beaman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2025

CONTACT
Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (276) 289-1018, dan@appvoices.org 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of Lee Beaman to the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors. Previously, the committee questioned four others nominated by President Trump and advanced them to the full Senate for a final vote.

During today’s hearing, senators on the committee questioned Beaman about his history of allegedly attempting to falsify federal election results, ethics investigations related to renting housing directly to members of Congress, alleged campaign finance violations, and violent statements his pastor has made. 

Beaman denied knowledge of the violent statements and otherwise evaded questions and denied responsibility related to his campaign contributions and alleged campaign finance violations. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., notably declined to ask him questions in public about what Merkley called “disturbing” elements of Beaman’s personal history and divorce proceedings, saying he would pursue those questions outside of the hearing.

“I’ve never seen a nominee for the TVA Board of Directors who has given me more concern than Lee Beaman,” said Brianna Knisley, Director of Public Power Campaigns. “What does it say about your integrity if senators are too embarrassed to ask you questions about your history out loud? Beaman brought Steve Berger, a pastor who disgustingly said he would like to beat LGBTQ people with a baseball bat, with him to his nomination hearing. He has no experience in energy. How can any senator take this nomination seriously? The people of the Tennessee Valley deserve better.”

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump fired three board members after they hired a new CEO for TVA, Don Moul. These firings left the TVA board without a quorum and unable to make decisions critical to the operation of the largest federally owned utility. Four other nominees to the board are expected to be voted on in the Senate this week. If those nominees are confirmed, the board will once more have a quorum.