Leader Schumer Floor Remarks Denouncing Trump For Holding America’s National Security Hostage For Political Gain

Washington, D.C. - Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke on the Senate floor denouncing Donald Trump's recent attempts to hold national security hostage by pulling Jay Clayton's nomination for Director of National Intelligence at the last minute and demanding to tie FISA to radical voter suppression legislation, the SAVE Act. Below are Senator Schumer's remarks, which can also be viewed here:

Trump has made it clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that he doesn't care about our national security and cares even less about reauthorizing FISA.

Trump has embarrassed Republicans, he's pulled the rug out from under them, and blown up the FISA negotiations at every step.

Trump has lobbed a grenade into Jay Clayton's nomination, insisted on making his personal fixer, his own attack dog, Bill Pulte acting DNI, and he's demanded to tie FISA to the extreme SAVE Act to attack Americans' voting rights.

Trump is so hellbent on taking away Americans' voting rights that he's willing to put them in danger to do it.

Trump would rather have our Intelligence Community go after his political opponents than protect the American people.

Can Trump get any more reckless?

Make no mistake: Donald Trump is holding America's national security hostage for his own political gain.

Republicans can point fingers at Democrats all they want, but Trump has himself owned up to blocking FISA. Here's what he said, this is Donald Trump: "I will not approve FISA. We are cancelling the Senate hearing. Bill Pulte will remain as the Acting Director of National Intelligence."

Trump will own any and all consequences that come from his undermining America's Intelligence Community and our national security.

###