Washington, DC – Today, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-WA) decried President Trump’s attempt to prevent Congressional oversight of military issues worldwide by denying support for legislative oversight travel:

“President Trump’s attempt to deny members of Congress the ability to conduct oversight of military issues by refusing to support official travel is dangerous, and it is undemocratic.

“The people’s elected representatives must be able to gather information on the ground about military conditions, especially the safety and security of our servicemembers, amid a complex threat environment. If Congress is not knowledgeable and able to gather information about these conditions, it cannot respond with appropriate resources and authorities to issues that affect our country’s security and the well-being of our servicemembers and their families.

“Further, it would improperly prevent Congress from exercising its proper oversight role as a co-equal branch of government. Congressional oversight is fundamental to our system of government’s checks and balances, and to holding the executive branch accountable.”

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