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March 5, 2018

Barragán, Thompson Question Kirstjen Nielson On Involvement In Rob Porter Security Clearance

BARRAGÁN, THOMPSON QUESTION KIRSTJEN NIELSEN ON INVOLVEMENT IN ROB PORTER SECURITY CLEARANCE

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 5, 2018

Contact: Michael Soneff
(202) 578-0167

Michael.soneff@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON – Today, Homeland Security Committee Member Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán(D-CA) and Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Nielsen to demand answers on her involvement in Rob Porter’s security clearance controversy.  Secretary Nielsen served as Deputy Chief of Staff under John Kelly during a critical time in the FBI’s investigation into Porter’s background and allegations regarding domestic violence. In her current position, Secretary Nielsen is responsible for more than 240,000 employees, many of whom hold security clearances.

 

The letter says, in part:

 

“We are writing regarding your time at the White House as Deputy Chief of Staff. Specifically, we have questions about what you knew about the allegations of domestic abuse raised against White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter by his two ex-wives, and your role in reviewing Mr. Porter’s security clearance. The American people are entitled to know how you handled these matters when you served at the White House, given your continued service in a capacity of significant responsibility and public trust.  Indeed, as Secretary of Homeland Security you are responsible for more than 240,000 employees, many of whom hold security clearances, underscoring the relevance of your past actions to your current position.”

 

Rep. Barragán released the following statement:

 

“It appears that Rob Porter was allowed to work in the White House and handle some of the most sensitive classified documents and materials that cross the President’s desk, all while he was potentially vulnerable to blackmail. Senior officials in the Trump White House knew this and chose not to act. Given that the Secretary is responsible for 240,000 DHS employees, we are interested to know how she responded to these serious allegations while at the White House.”

 

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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington.