House lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have asked for enhanced classified information training, calling it “imperative” in a letter dated Wednesday.
“We respectfully request that you consider strongly encouraging and expanding opportunities for all Members of Congress to receive training on the proper handling of classified information, beginning in the 119th Congress,” reads the letter, addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Administration Committee Chair Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) and ranking member Joseph Morelle (D-N.Y.).
The letter is led by Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), and it includes backing from Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Ed Case (D-Hawaii), Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) and Delegate James Moylan (R-Guam).
The letter points out that “most” members of Congress have not “had the reason” to be involved with classified information before being elected.
“Regular and frequent training on how to work with classified information is therefore imperative for every Member,” it reads.
The lawmakers also note “inadvertent or irresponsible releases of vital intelligence have occurred during open hearings, press scrums, conferences, or via other extemporaneous utterances” that have occurred.
“These incidents underscore the importance of training Members on the proper handling of classified information, the unauthorized release of which can compromise the work of our national security professionals and threaten the safety of our citizens at home and abroad,” the letter continues.
The members push for “advanced training options” to be made accessible for members who deal regularly with classified information as part of committee work, particularly for those on the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Homeland Security committees, as well as some Appropriations subcommittees.
The Hill has reached out to the offices of Jeffries, Steil, Johnson and Morelle.
Updated at 12:40 p.m.