Legislation unveiled Thursday by a House Democrat would prevent federal officials, candidates and staff who are charged with certain crimes from receiving classified information.
Although not directly named in the bill, it targets two politicians currently battling criminal charges: former President Donald Trump and New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez.
The bill’s author is Rep. Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Democrat.
“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.”
Dubbed the GUARD Act — Guarding the United States Against Reckless Disclosures — the measure would prohibit the disclosure of classified information to those charged or convicted of certain crimes. Those include obstructing an official proceeding, unlawful retention of national defense information, unlawful disclosure or improper handling of classified information, acting as a foreign agent or compromising the national security of the United States.
In her statement, Ms. Sherrill did not mention Mr. Menendez but made several 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.
Under her bill, officials, candidates and staff barred from classified information would not be able to receive it again unless the charges are dismissed or they are found not guilty.
Mr. Trump has pleaded not guilty to various charges related to mishandling classified documents that were kept at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving the White House and to obstructing an official proceeding related to the U.S. Capitol attack and trying to overturn the 2020 election.
Mr. Menendez has pleaded not guilty to acting as an unregistered foreign agent for the government of Egypt as part of a public corruption and bribery scheme. He is not seeking reelection in the Democratic primary but said he will run as an “independent” Democrat if he’s exonerated later this year.
Mr. Menendez resigned as Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman but continues to receive classified briefings as a senator, a controversial move that he says is still his right as a lawmaker.
• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.
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