Letter to Speaker Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House of Representatives - House Staff Involvement in Drafting President Trump's Executive Orders

Letter

Dear Speaker Ryan:

On Monday, January 30, 2017, Politico reported that staff members from the House Committee on the Judiciary had participated in the drafting of the January 27, 2017 executive order entitled "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States."

As you are well aware, this highly controversial, impetuous, and poorly-implemented Executive Order has resulted in the detention of at least one Iraqi citizen who assisted the American military in Iraq, a five-year old boy from Iran, and dozens of other innocent individuals who pose no security threat to the United States; has generated confusion and panic for families across the globe; has met bipartisan opposition in Congress; has sparked massive protests across the country; has been partially stayed by an American judge; and has met strong resistance from the Departments of State and Justice. Top counter-terrorism experts agree that this order will be harmful to national security, largely because it will serve as a top talking point for ISIS and other terrorist organizations, and will significantly harm America's reputation in the Muslim world.

In this context, we respectfully ask you to, in consultation with the House Committee on Ethics and the Committee on House Administration, provide written clarification and guidance for all House of Representatives Members and staff as to whether it is permissible for House Members or staff to assist in the drafting of executive orders, to provide assistance to the administration in any other fashion, or to enter into non-disclosure agreements with the administration.

While we recognize that the current administration lacks policy experience, it is nonetheless imperative to maintain a clear division between the executive branch and the legislative branch.

Thank you for considering this important request.

Sincerely,

Norma J. Torres

Ruben Gallego

Carol Shea-Porter

Timothy J. Walz

Eddie Bernice Johnson

Darren Soto

Ted Lieu

Elliot L. Engel

Betty McCollum