According to The Hill, a Democratic congresswoman has introduced a bill named the Guarding United States Against Reckless Disclosures (GUARD) Act that aims to prevent former President Donald Trump from accessing classified material.
New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill is behind this legislation, which seeks to block Trump and others from receiving classified information if they have been charged with specific criminal offenses like obstructing official proceedings, unlawfully retaining classified defense information, or acting as a foreign agent.
Democrat to introduce bill that would bar Menendez, Trump from receiving classified information https://t.co/TqCLDAlidn
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) March 28, 2024
“As a Navy veteran and former prosecutor, I have zero tolerance for any betrayal of the public trust, especially when it comes to classified information and our national security,” Sherrill was quoted as saying in a statement put out on Thursday.
“Nobody is entitled or legally obligated to classified briefings”
“That’s why I’m extremely concerned about recent charges against Donald Trump and his continued desire to access sensitive classified information, despite reckless actions, and serious criminal charges,” she insisted.
“Nobody is entitled or legally obligated to classified briefings — certainly not Trump, even if he is the Republican nominee for president,” the Democratic lawmaker went on to declare.
“This legislation is urgent and should be considered by both parties as a necessary step to protect intelligence and ensure sensitive information doesn’t get into the wrong hands,” Sherrill added.
The Hill reported that Sherrill’s bill does not specifically reference Trump but would also impact New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez. Menendez has been connected to an Egyptian bribery scheme, as prosecutors allege.
In September, Menendez, his wife, and co-defendants Fred Daibes and Jose Uribe were indicted on bribery and corruption charges.
FBI agents discovered around $480,000 in cash and $100,000 worth of gold bars at Menendez’s residence, which prosecutors claim is tied to the Egyptian government.
“The FBI has made investigating public corruption a top priority since our founding — nothing has changed,” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said in a statement.
“The alleged conduct in this conspiracy damages the public’s faith in our system of government and brings undue scorn to the honest and dedicated public servants who carry out their duties on a daily basis,” Smith continued.
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