Originally published in MyChesCo.
By Maryann Pugh

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Laurel Lee (R-FL), backed by nine other House colleagues, have urged House leadership to mandate comprehensive training on handling classified information for all members of Congress starting with the 119th Congress in January 2025. This initiative aims to address the gaps in the current voluntary system, which offers just a single hour of optional training.

Houlahan, an Air Force veteran, has vocalized her concerns through various platforms, highlighting how the existing system grants immediate clearance to members without substantial training. “No briefings or training, no nothing,” she noted in a 2023 op-ed, emphasizing the lack of rigorous preparation for Congress members compared to military personnel managing sensitive information.

The proposed training, to be conducted by the Office of House Security and overseen by the House Sergeant at Arms, seeks to equip Congress members with essential skills to manage classified information. This would entail integrating training into orientation sessions for new members and making it readily available for returning members.

The lawmakers emphasized that effective handling of classified information is crucial for Congress members who are responsible for oversight and legislative duties that impact national security. The letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pointed out that many incidents of unauthorized disclosure have occurred due to insufficient training. Such occurrences can jeopardize national security efforts and pose threats both domestically and internationally.

The call for enhanced training is not just about preventing mishaps. It’s about ensuring that Congress members are as well-prepared as their counterparts in the executive branch and military, where breaches can lead to severe repercussions. The initiative also proposes advanced training for those regularly dealing with sensitive information, particularly members of critical committees like the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

By modernizing training protocols, lawmakers aim to establish a culture of accountability and preparedness among Congress members. This move is expected to fortify the legislative branch’s role in safeguarding national security while aligning with the overall principles of transparency and responsibility.

Houlahan and Lee’s initiative reflects a growing consensus on the importance of standardizing security protocols at the legislative level, highlighting a bipartisan effort to address potential vulnerabilities. As the 119th Congress approaches, the implementation of such training could mark a significant step towards enhancing the security posture of the United States, ensuring that elected officials are equipped to handle the complexities of classified information responsibly.

This proactive approach is seen as a necessary measure to maintain the integrity and security of national intelligence, reinforcing the commitment of Congress to protect the nation’s most sensitive information. The outcome of this proposal could serve as a pivotal point in strengthening the legislative framework guiding national security practices.