Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), a reasonable Democrat and former Air Power officer, pressed for all authorities personnel to obtain coaching on deal with categorized materials, following a information report that Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth inadvertently texted key particulars of U.S. struggle plans to a outstanding journalist.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and the highest Democrat and Republican on the Home Administration Committee, Houlahan mentioned the latest reporting in The Atlantic makes clear the significance of the coaching.
“Given the recent events involving executive branch officials’ spillage of national security information, it is imperative that all government personnel receive adequate training on the proper handling and management of classified material,” Houlahan wrote within the letter, linking to The Atlantic story revealed Monday.
The letter is following up on an earlier request for a similar coaching, stressing the significance that members of Congress know deal with delicate info—particularly these serving on committees that deal with categorized materials often.
“Members of Congress are no exception. Members should be equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle classified information appropriately to effectively carry out their duties and safeguard our country. In particular, Members serving on committees that regularly manage classified information,” she wrote.
Houlahan famous there have been incidents prior to now, “involving the unintentional or imprudent release of critical intelligence—during open hearings, conferences, press interactions, or offhand comments,” which, she mentioned, “demonstrate the critical need for such training.”
“Such lapses not only compromise national security but can also undermine our intelligence community and endanger the safety of our citizens both at home and abroad,” she added.
The letter comes after The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief gave a first-hand account of his expertise getting looped into U.S. struggle plans, which included particulars of weapons used, targets, and timing hours forward of the assaults.
Goldberg mentioned he was included on a textual content chain on the encrypted messaging utility Sign that additionally appeared for use by such senior Trump administration officers as Vice President Vance, nationwide safety adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of Nationwide Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Hegseth.
Brian Hughes, the spokesman for the Nationwide Safety Council, confirmed the message chain was genuine.
“This appears to be an authentic message chain, and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain,” wrote Hughes. “The thread is a demonstration of the deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials. The ongoing success of the Houthi operation demonstrates that there were no threats to troops or national security.”
