New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D) has introduced the Guarding United States Against Reckless Disclosures (GUARD) Act. The bill seeks to bar federal officeholders and candidates who have charges of certain criminal offenses from being able to access classified information.
In introducing the bill, Rep. Sherrill aims to withhold classified information from the president, vice president, members of Congress, and federal candidates if they are charged with obstructing an official proceeding, unlawfully retaining classified defense information, or acting as a foreign agent, among other offenses.
Despite not mentioning them by name, the bill targets New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (D) and President Donald Trump (R), who are both facing federal charges. Both however maintain they’re innocence, but they face 109 criminal charges between the two.
Although Rep. Sherrill did not mention Senator Menendez in the bill, she did comment on President Trump, saying that she had him in mind when writing the three-page bill.
In a statement, the New Jersey Democrat commented that “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.”
“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.”
President Trump reiterated this week that the "Biden trial" he faces is an attempt by Democrats to interfere in the election. This was after he scored a victory when his bond was significantly reduced from $454 million to $175 million.
Rep. Sherrill does not think that President Trump is innocent, and she is calling on other members of Congress to join her in voting for President Trump t0 receive and classified information.
“Nobody is entitled or legally obligated to classified briefings — certainly not Trump, even if he is the Republican nominee for president. 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,” she expressed.
