Kushner Security Clearance Shows Need to Pass Legislation to Protect National Security

Statement of Common Cause President Karen Hobert Flynn

Americans expect and deserve to have the security of the nation put before the whims of the President. When the President refuses to accept the counsel of security officials and grants top-secret clearance to friends and family who pose security risks, then it is time for Congress to step in and protect our national security.

Jared Kushner was identified as a national security risk and deemed unworthy of receiving top-secret security clearance yet President Trump insisted that his son-in-law be given the clearance. If the President will go so far as to ignore accepted norms and put the security of our nation at risk then Congress must pass legislation to check presidential discretion on security clearances. Several bills have been introduced during the 115^th and 116^th Congresses to this effect. This is not a partisan issue, it is a national security issue and it demands quick action by Congress.