Jamie Raskin on Security Concerns
TL;DR
Jamie Raskin strongly advocates for thorough FBI vetting for all high-level appointees, citing national security risks.
Key Points
He demanded a Presidential transition commit to requiring full FBI background checks for all appointees before Senate consideration or access to classified information in December 2024.
The Representative voted against the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act because he felt it was bloated and failed to address real security concerns like climate change and extremism.
He joined colleagues in urging the Attorney General to reverse a decision regarding firings of Immigration Judges in March 2025, linking it to rule of law and potential corruption.
Summary
Jamie Raskin has forcefully expressed his position on security concerns primarily by demanding rigorous background checks for government appointees, particularly those nominated to high-level positions. He sent a letter to a Presidential transition team requesting a commitment to requiring full vetting by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for all nominees, citing media reports that the transition might bypass standard procedures by using private firms or granting clearances without vetting, which he views as a critical step to protect national security. He expressed alarm over certain nominees having significant ties to U.S. adversaries, potential blackmail vulnerability, or lacking necessary credentials, implying that current or planned security protocols were insufficient to protect U.S. interests.
Key Quotes
Meantime, our GOP colleagues have made sure that the real security concerns and problems of the country are never addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamie Raskin's main focus regarding security concerns centers on the integrity of personnel vetting for high-level government appointments. He strongly asserts that a full FBI background check is necessary for all nominees to assess potential security risks, such as foreign entanglements or blackmail vulnerability.
The Representative stated he voted against the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act because he considered its budget bloated and opaque. He argued it focused on right-wing cultural issues instead of addressing critical threats like the climate crisis and white supremacist extremism within the military.
Yes, Jamie Raskin has publicly raised significant concerns about transition vetting processes. He specifically wrote to a transition team requesting assurances that they would not bypass traditional FBI checks in favor of private firms or grant clearances without standard review.
Sources5
Ranking Member Raskin Asks Transition to Commit to Requiring Full Vetting of All Appointees
Representative Raskin Statement on the Nation's Misaligned Human Security Priorities and Voting Against the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act
Raskin Demands FBI Vetting For All Trump Cabinet Picks Amid National Security Concerns
Durbin, Padilla, Raskin, Jayapal Statement on SCOTUS Alien Enemies Act Ruling
Comment of Reps Raskin and Nadler
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.