Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul and Senator Rick Scott have taken a strong stance against what they perceive as the appointment of individuals known for spreading disinformation to the newly formed Homeland Intelligence Experts Group. In a letter addressed to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the senators urged him to rescind the appointments of James Clapper, John Brennan, and Paul Kolbe. The letter also demanded answers regarding the decision-making process behind these appointments.

The senators expressed their concern about the integrity of the intelligence and national security efforts of the country. They highlighted the fact that Clapper, Brennan, and Kolbe had previously made claims, without evidence, that the abandoned laptop of Joe Biden's son and its incriminating information were "Russian disinformation." The senators argued that this false statement was intended to discredit the discovery of Hunter Biden's laptop and divert attention from the potential criminality and corruption associated with it.

The letter emphasized the senators' belief that the actions of Clapper, Brennan, and Kolbe constituted election interference and questioned their suitability for positions within the Homeland Intelligence Experts Group. The senators pointed out Clapper's history of lying under oath to the United States Senate in 2013 regarding the National Security Agency's spying operations on Americans. Despite evidence of his perjury, Clapper has remained defiant, and the senators expressed their concern about his appointment to the new intelligence group.

In addition to demanding the rescinding of the appointments, the senators also requested various documents and information related to the establishment and composition of the Homeland Intelligence Experts Group. They sought clarification on the selection process, conflict of interest assessments, compensation packages, access to classified information, and the group's mandate in addressing specific challenges and threats. The senators also called for unredacted copies of meeting agendas and topics of discussion.

The letter concluded by stating that Chairman Gary Peters would be urged to demand Secretary Mayorkas's appearance before the Committee in a hearing to explain the appointments despite the individuals' disreputable records. The senators requested a response from Secretary Mayorkas no later than October 5, 2023.

The concerns raised by Senators Paul and Scott highlight the importance of ensuring that individuals appointed to intelligence groups have a track record of integrity and accuracy in their previous positions. The demand for transparency and accountability in the appointment process is crucial to maintaining public trust in the intelligence community.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-paul-sen-scott-lead-letter-demanding-mayorkas-rescind-appointments-of-known-disinformation-spreaders-to-intelligence-group/