Members Have Questions for Kelly

On Thursday, Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA) led a letter with members Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) asking White House Chief of Staff John Kelly to explain when he had knowledge of the allegations of domestic abuse by White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter and the actions he took given that knowledge. According to reports, Porter’s allegedly abusive behavior was the reason he was unable to obtain a permanent security clearance, yet apparently, Kelly defended him, promoted him, and urged him to stay. “We are appalled by your dismissive statement, following the first reports of abuse allegations, that Rob Porter is a “man of true integrity” and that you were “proud to serve alongside him,’” the members wrote. “Everything about these troubling reports violates American moral values, ethical principles, and core tenets of national security. It is imperative that Congress and the American people construct a clear timeline of events.” Stay tuned to The Beat DC to see if they get a response. Read the full text of the letter here.