Politics & Government
Rep. Maloney Calls For Oversight Investigation Into Rob Porter
Porter, a White House employee who never had permanent security clearance, resigned after allegations of domestic abuse.
WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, R-Cold Spring, has requested that an oversight committee look into former White House staff secretary Rob Porter’s background and the administration’s decision to allow him to handle classified material for more than a year without a permanent security clearance. The congressman knows the job well, having served as staff secretary during Bill Clinton’s administration between 1999 and 2000 and as deputy staff secretary from 1997 to 1999.
Porter, 40, resigned the post following domestic abuse allegations leveled against him by two ex-wives.
In a written statement, Porter said the allegations were “outrageous” and “simply false.”
Find out what's happening in Mid Hudson Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Maloney said the news about Porter was troubling for a number of reasons.
“I am sickened by Mr. Porter’s actions and my heart goes out to these women and their families,” he said in a prepared statement.
Find out what's happening in Mid Hudson Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Additionally, serving in the White House is a tremendous honor and we must expect better from individuals in these positions,” Maloney said. “I’m shocked that someone with that kind of background could have held this position for over a year.”
He said he knows from experience the kind of sensitive national security information a person in that position is exposed to.
“It’s absolutely unacceptable that someone so easily compromised would only now be stepping down,” Maloney said.
He said it was unclear what kind of vetting process was followed in regard to Porter and is calling on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to open an investigation into the situation immediately.
Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-SC, is the committee’s chairman.
“It seems clear that Chief of Staff John Kelly had knowledge of these disqualifying issues and nevertheless allowed Porter to handle top secret materials without a proper clearance,” Maloney said.
He said he had met with Porter on more than one occasion seeking his help on behalf of his constituents and found him responsive and professional, but the allegations are deeply troubling.
Read Maloney’s letter to Gowdy here.
Photo credit: seanmaloney.house.gov.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
