Reps. Dave Min, Ted Lieu Introduce Legislation to Expand Due Process Protections for Individuals With Security Clearances

Washington, D.C. — Representative Dave Min (CA-47) and Representative Ted Lieu (CA-36), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, introduced the Stopping Executive Clearance Unfair Revocation Efforts Act (SECURE Act), which addresses the problem of politically motivated attempts to eliminate or reduce security clearances held by non-governmental personnel. This legislation would expand due process protections for non-governmental personnel who have access to classified information, including through security clearances. The security clearance process can take years to complete and is difficult, invasive, and cumbersome for those who need a clearance for work. 

As President Trump has increasingly weaponized the revocation of security clearances, using this tool to punish his perceived political enemies rather than to address national security concerns, it has become more important than ever to ensure that individuals are not wrongly targeted. This bill would broaden the scope of who can use due process protections when their security clearance is terminated or suspended, allowing them to be advised of the reasons behind the decision and being provided an adequate opportunity to respond before final action is taken.

“National security is not a Democratic or Republican issue, but an American issue,” said Rep. Min. “The decision to suspend or revoke a clearance should not be taken lightly, and individuals should have due process protections to ensure that decisions are made with public safety in mind, not political vengeance.” 

"The Trump Administration has been playing fast and loose with our national security," said Rep. Lieu. “When it comes to terminating or suspending security clearances, there needs to be adequate due process and transparency. I’m working with Rep. Min to ensure partisan politics never interferes with our national security.”

“POGO is pleased to endorse the SECURE Act, which will bring much needed transparency and accountability to the security clearance adjudication process,” said Joe Spielberger with Project on Government Oversight (POGO). “This bill will provide increased oversight and help ensure that security clearance decisions are not made for political, discriminatory, or retaliatory reasons. We appreciate Congressman Min’s leadership on this critical and timely issue.”

This bill is supported by Project on Government Oversight (POGO).

The bill is also cosponsored by Representatives Carson (IN-07), Delaney (MD-06), Bera (CA-06), Tokuda (HI-02), Quigley (IN-05), Jayapal (WA-07), Subramanyam (VA-10), Beyer (VA-08), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Norma Torres (CA-35).

Bill text can be found here. 

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