Congressman Krishnamoorthi Writes To Director Of National Intelligence & General Services Administration On The National Security Implications Of Delayed Presidential Transition

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi sent letters to Emily Murphy, the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), and John Ratcliffe, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), to express his concern that the letter of “ascertainment” has not yet been signed by GSA Administrator Murphy to begin the presidential transition process and therefore presents a national security threat as the Biden Administration takes over in January.

GSA Administrator Murphy has not yet signed the letter outlined by the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 to initiate presidential transition proceedings including the granting of transition funding as well as access to current officials and government resources even though Joe Biden has been “near-universally recognized as the winner of the 2020 election.”

“GSA withholding the certification of the election has serious national security implications for the country,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Intelligence officials and documents are not available to the incoming administration for preparation until GSA certifies the elections, and the delay of these logistical processes and resources may in turn slow the new administration’s ability to successfully begin its role in protecting the United States against national security threats.”

Once the letter of ascertainment is signed by GSA, the President-elect can receive summaries on military and covert operations, begin filing FBI background checks for new hires, and it’s customary for the President-elect to receive the Presidential Daily Briefing. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has stated that “ODNI would not have any contact with any transition team until notified by the GSA Administrator.” So, these processes are currently on hold.

The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 specifically notes that “any disruption occasioned by the transfer of the executive power could produce results detrimental to the safety and well-being of the United States and its people.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi asked both GSA Administrator Murphy and DNI Ratcliffe what actions are being taken to assist the incoming administration protect national security, whether they’re aware that a delay in the presidential transition process may have national security implications, and what their plans are for an expedited transfer of intelligence information to the Biden Administration given the current delay. Congressman Krishnamoorthi requested a response by November 24th.

A copy of the letter to GSA Administrator Emily Murphy is available here, and a copy of the letter to DNI John Ratcliffe is available here.