In Friday's Portland Oregonian, there was an item about Representative Peter DeFazio (D,OR) being denied access to White House plans concerning the continuity of the U.S Government after a terrorist attack contained in The National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive (National Security Presidential Directive NSPD-51/Homeland Security Presidential Directive HSPD-20). Why is this of interest? Why would Representative DeFazio want to see these plans?
Because Representative DeFazio is a member of U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security
Representative DeFazio was acting at the behest of his constituents, who had called his office with concerns over classified portions of the plans.
As a member of the U.S. House on the Homeland Security Committee, DeFazio, D-Ore., is permitted to enter a secure "bubbleroom" in the Capitol and examine classified material. So he asked the White House to see the secret documents.
On Wednesday, DeFazio got his answer: DENIED.
On what grounds would a member of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, who has all proper security clearances, be denied access to this information?
The American Enterprise Institute can't think of a reason.
Norm Ornstein, a legal scholar who studies government continuity at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said he "cannot think of one good reason" to deny access to a member of Congress who serves on the Homeland Security Committee.
"I find it inexplicable and probably reflective of the usual, knee-jerk overextension of executive power that we see from this White House," Ornstein said.
Pretty strong words from the American Enterprise Institute
Are we sure he has the proper clearance?
This is the first time DeFazio has been denied access to documents. DeFazio has asked Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., to help him access the documents.
"Maybe the people who think there's a conspiracy out there are right," DeFazio said.
Are you worried yet?
Still feeling a little wishy-washy about IMPEACHMENT?
Get over it. DEMAND IMPEACHMENT EVERYDAY UNTIL THEY HEAR YOU.
UPDATE: I must check out for the day. Thanks to every one for the recs and the critcisms. Have at it.
Peace out.