Bill Introduced To Censor ‘Conspiracy Theories’

Jan. 27 , 2021 (EIRNS)—Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) has introduced a bill, the Security Clearance Improvement Act of  2021, aimed to prevent those engaged in “conspiracy theories” from having security clearances, specifically those who “participated in the January 6, 2021 activity at the U.S. Capitol or a similar ‘Stop the Steal’ activity,” or anyone who has been “a member of, associated with, or knowingly engaged in activities conducted by an organization or movement that spreads conspiracy theories and false information about the U.S. government—like QAnon, a group that has been tied to the Capitol attack.” Her legislation, which she says seeks to close the gap in the interview questionnaire regarding their “Association Record,” that asks if an applicant has ever “been a member of an organization dedicated to terrorism; an organization dedicated to the use of violence or force to overthrow the U.S. government; or an organization that advocates the use of force or violence to discourage others from exercising their rights under the U.S. Constitution. Given the narrow scope of Section 29, an applicant could presumably answer these questions in the negative without ever revealing their membership in, or affiliation with, QAnon or a similar organization.” Therefore her bill would close that loophole by adding two questions to the form SF-86—filled out by those seeking clearances:

(1) “Have you ever been a member of, associated with, or knowingly engaged in activities conducted by an organization or movement that spreads conspiracy theories and false information about the United States Government?”

(2) “Did you participate in the activities occurring at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, or in a similar ‘Stop the Steal’ activity?”

Her press release bespeaks her dedication to her oath of office, to defend the United States Constitution. She writes: “Even if it does not constitute a criminal offense, attendance at an event designed to overturn the results of a presidential election and prevent the peaceful transfer of power raises serious questions about an applicant’s suitability for a security clearance.”

Should the first question simply read “Are you, or have you ever been a supporter of Donald Trump?” What does the first question even mean? What is a “conspiracy theory,” and who will decide? Will everyone who jumped on the Russiagate crazy train now be denied a security clearance?