The House Committee on Rules is currently working on a package to address House lobbying reform and Congressman Buyer urged the Committee to include his language in such a measure.

Testifying before the Rules Committee today, Buyer stated, “These two Committees have access to the most closely guarded secrets our nation possesses.  These Committees are positions of the highest level of trust.  I do not believe that asking Members to obtain a clearance in exchange for the privilege of serving on these Committees is too much to ask to show the American people that we take this trust seriously.”

Currently, all Members must take an oath of office at the beginning of each Congress. The only other measure required of Members is the signing of a non-disclosure oath prior to accessing classified information.   

 “As recently as last year, one of our Members had access to the highest levels of classified material that this country possesses due to his seat on the House Intelligence Committee and Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.  This same Member was also convicted of taking bribes and steering millions of dollars in defense and intelligence contracts.  As disgraceful as that is to our institution, what if the disgrace had involved classified information?” Buyer added.

“It is my hope that this legislation is included in the comprehensive lobbying and ethics reform package.  This Chamber is at a crossroads right now and we must take advantage of the will of its Members and the will of our constituents to ensure that this nation’s secrets are guarded by individuals of the highest integrity,” said Buyer.

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