McConnell Brother-in-Law Gets Pension Agency Nomination Hearing

President Donald Trump’s nominee to replace the current director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation will be considered by the Senate Finance Committee Sept. 27.

Trump nominated Gordon Hartogensis four months ago to head the PBGC, the agency that insurers corporate and union pension plans. The nomination kicked up controversy as Hartogensis is married to the sister of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao who is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

Hartogensis lists his current occupation as trustee of the Hartogensis Family Trust on his LinkedIn profile and is a former CEO and co-founder of Texas-based information technology company Auric Technology LLC.

Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) announced the hearing Sept. 21. If confirmed, Hartogensis would replace current PBGC Director W. Thomas Reeder Jr., who has held the post for the past three years. The post as head of PBGC is a five-year position.