Political Quotes

“I intend to object to any unanimous consent request relating to the nomination of Christopher C. Miller, of Virginia, to be Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (PN1741). On April 8, 2020, I sent a bipartisan letter to the President cosigned by seven of my colleagues regarding the removal of Intelligence Community Inspector General (IC IG) Michael Atkinson. That letter reminded the President of his requirement under the Inspector General Reform Act to provide clear reasons for such removal. After a delay, the White House promised me a response to my letter that fulfilled the statutory requirement by providing substantive reasons for the removal. On the evening of May 26, 2020, I received a response from the White House, but it contained no explanation for the removal of the IC IG. Though the Constitution gives the president the authority to manage executive branch personnel, Congress has made it clear that should the president find reason to fire an inspector general, there ought to be a good reason for it. The White House's response failed to address this requirement, which Congress clearly stated in statute and accompanying reports. I don't dispute the President's authority under the Constitution, but without sufficient explanation, the American people will be left speculating whether political or self-interests are to blame. That's not good for the presidency or government accountability.…”