Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) sent a letter today requesting the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to share the reported military threats briefing for the next President with the Congressional leadership and defense committees. 

May 29, 2008

Admiral Michael Mullen, USN
Chairman
Joint Chiefs of Staff
9999 Joint Staff Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20318

Dear Mr. Chairman,

 Media reports indicate that you are assembling a team to brief the incoming President, whose administration will take office on January 20, 2009. You are to be commended on this effort, which will center on facts and conclusions concerning vulnerabilities to America’s national security.

 However, as Congress is a co-equal branch of government under the Constitution and thus controls funding and other national security policies, I strongly recommend that you provide the Congressional bipartisan leadership and respective House and Senate Armed Services and Appropriations Committees the same briefing simultaneous to the one furnished to the White House.  As you know, the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees perform an active and important role in securing our nation.  Thus, it is important that the new 111th Congress receive the exact briefing furnished to the White House for the benefit of the incoming Administration in a timely manner. 

 Thank you for your outstanding leadership as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  We in Congress look forward to our continued partnership in protecting our national security.

   Very truly yours, 

   /s/        
   IKE SKELTON                                              
   Chairman 

###