Democrats are known for pulling some tricks. But this one takes the cake.
And a House Democrat blindsided Republicans with the last thing they ever expected.
A House Democrat introduced legislation Thursday that would bar government officials, candidates, and personnel charged with specific offenses from receiving classified information.
Although not specifically identified in the law, it is aimed at two politicians now facing criminal charges: former President Donald Trump and New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez.
Representative Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat from New Jersey, authored the measure.
“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,” Ms. Sherrill said.
“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.”
The GUARD Act (Guarding the United States Against Reckless Disclosures) would prohibit the release of classified information to persons prosecuted or convicted of specific offenses.
These include impeding an official procedure, unlawful retention of national defense information, unlawful disclosure or inappropriate management of classified material, operating as a foreign agent, and jeopardizing the United States’ national security.
Ms. Sherrill did not mention Mr. Menendez in her comments, but did make many references to Mr. Trump.
“Nobody is entitled or legally obligated to classified briefings — certainly not Trump, even if he is the Republican nominee for president,” she said.
According to her bill, officials, candidates, and staff who have been restricted from receiving classified material will be unable to do so again until the charges are withdrawn or they are found not guilty.
The problem with this bill is that it will incentivize political opponents to level accusations and bring frivolous charges.
It’s a presumption of guilt rather than a presumption of innocence.
Do you think Democrats will stop at Donald Trump when it comes to their witch hunts?
Of course not, and with ever-lengthening court cases, they can drag out this sanction for years if they really want to.
Mr. Trump has pleaded not guilty to several accusations, including mishandling secret documents stored at his Mar-a-Lago resort after leaving the White House, impeding an official proceeding relating to the U.S. Capitol attack, and attempting to overthrow the 2020 election.
Mr. Menendez has pled not guilty to serving as an unregistered foreign agent for the Egyptian government in connection with a public corruption and bribery conspiracy.
He will not seek reelection in the Democratic primary, but has stated that if he is exonerated later this year, he will run as an “independent” Democrat.
Mr. Menendez resigned as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, but he continues to receive classified briefings as a senator, a contentious decision he claims is still within his rights as a politician.
And, ultimately, this bill isn’t about Menendez. He’s just getting caught in the crossfire from an obvious broadside against Donald Trump and his campaign.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
