“The Department of Justice has not taken the initiative to prosecute leaks of national security secrets,” said Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) at a House Judiciary Committee hearing yesterday.
Considering that the Justice Department in the Obama Administration has initiated an unprecedented number of leak prosecutions, Rep. Smith had it exactly wrong. But his remark illustrates the rampant confusion and the growing antagonism that surrounds the topic of leaks of classified information.
For some of the latest coverage, see:
“The ‘Leak’ Wars” by Josh Gerstein, Politico, June 8
“Toobin: Obama has been ‘very tough’ on leakers” by Ashley Hayes, CNN, June 7
“U.S. Attacks, Online and From the Air, Fuel Secrecy Debate” by Scott Shane, New York Times, June 7
By acting now, the Administration can create clear career pathways for workers and better equip federal agencies with critical workforce insights to optimize national investments.
Congress and the incoming Trump Administration should work together to reinforce the U.S. position in the regions, recognizing the role Antarctica in particular may have in a changing global order and its significance for sea-level rise.
Small, fast grant programs are vital to supporting transformative research. By adopting a more flexible, decentralized model, we can significantly enhance their impact.
Congress should ensure that no amendments dictating the size of the ICBM force are included in future NDAAs.