Cummings Asks Gowdy to Issue Subpoena for Documents on Denial of Security Clearance Application for Top Flynn Aide

Washington, D.C. (May 18, 2018)—Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, wrote a letter asking Chairman Trey Gowdy to issue a subpoena to compel the White House to produce documents it has been withholding regarding a rejected application for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) for Robin Townley, who served as one of the closest deputies to former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, as well as for documents related to his removal from White House employment.

In March, Cummings wrote to the White House to request information about why the Central Intelligence Agency reportedly had rejected Mr. Townley's SCI application. The White House has not responded to that letter, but Mr. Townley apparently continues to hold an active Top Secret clearance, raising additional questions about whether the White House follows proper procedures when it learns of potentially derogatory information about an employee.

"I noted that the denial of Mr. Townley's SCI application was particularly puzzling given that he was a former Marine intelligence officer who reportedly held a Top Secret security clearance," Cummings wrote. "I also requested documents relating to whether Mr. Townley had been given an interim clearance prior to the denial of his application—and whether he continues to hold a clearance today. To date, the White House has not responded to my letter."