when did senator sheldon whitehouse question the park service about the reflecting pool

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse questioned the Park Service about the reflecting pool on June 24, 2026 , during a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing. The coverage says he pressed Kevin Lilly, the Trump administration’s nominee for Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife, over the National Mall reflecting pool issue and related vandalism claims.

Quick Scoop

• Date: June 24, 2026.

• Setting: A Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing.

• Who he questioned: Kevin Lilly, the nominee for Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife.

• What it was about: Claims surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation and alleged vandalism.

Context

The issue drew attention because the administration’s reflecting pool project had become politically contentious, with lawmakers questioning the cost, management, and the vandalism narrative. One report described Whitehouse as sparring with the administration over the president’s claim that vandals caused liner failure at the recently renovated pool.

Bottom line

If you’re looking for the exact moment, it was June 24, 2026 , in Senate hearing coverage focused on the reflecting pool dispute.