[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 16, 2017)]
[House]
[Page H4203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT PRESIDENT'S CARELESSNESS AND LACK OF JUDGMENT
(Mr. KILDEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, in revealing classified information to the
Russians, President Trump has compromised our ability to defend
ourselves against ISIS to gather intelligence against them, and he has
jeopardized our relationships with allies across the globe.
Make no mistake about it, the President's actions were reckless. They
are indefensible, and they make America less safe.
Republicans cannot stay silent. There are serious questions about the
President's carelessness, about his lack of judgment. In fact, last
July, the Speaker said that individuals who are extremely careless with
classified information should be denied further access to it.
Even the President's own Chief of Staff said those who mishandle
classified information have had their security clearances revoked. They
have lost their jobs. They have faced fines. Some have gone to prison.
I have to ask my colleagues, shouldn't the President of the United
States be held to that same standard? They say he can do what he wants,
but does that make it smart? No. Does that make it right? No. Does it
make it less safe? Absolutely.
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