DeFazio fights Homeland Security for data access
Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield) has renewed his request for classified documents about the government’s plans for ensuring continuity of government in the aftermath of a catastrophic national emergency.
As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, DeFazio is authorized to review classified and sensitive information in a secure room in the Capital Hill complex. This is the first time in 20 years in Congress that DeFazio has been denied access to classified information.
DeFazio, a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, made the formal request with the Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Chris Carney.
The letter was sent to Frances Townsend, the assistant to the Secretary for Homeland Security & Counterterrorism. It requests the classified annexes to
Homeland Security Presidential Directive-20 (HSPD-20), also known as the
National Security Presidential Directive-51.
The directive lays out the government’s post-catastrophe plan. The letter requests the information by Thursday, Aug. 2.
Earlier this month, after initially approving access to the annexes, the White House reversed course and refused DeFazio’s verbal request for the information.
“I can’t see any reason or justification to deny a member of Congress the right to review how the Administration intends to conduct the government of the United States after a catastrophic national emergency,” DeFazio said. “I thought this was a routine request, but this makes you wonder.”
If the White House again refuses to provide the requested documents, DeFazio and the committee leaders will consider what additional actions may be
necessary.
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