16th District Cong. Darin LaHood wants stricter penalties for politicians mishandling classified documents. He and Illinois Cong. Mike Quigley want to introduce a law to implement strong enforcement for the mishandling of classified documents. The punishment for mishandling could include fines, stripping of clearances, and a ban on receiving clearance in the future. LaHood says as a former state and federal prosecutor, he believes it has to become clear that there must be review, reform, and clearer penalties for people who mishandle classified documents. Right now only criminal penalties exist for a person who mishandles classified documents. The law LaHood and Quigley want to introduce would create civil penalties.
LaHood is also now on the House Select Committee on China. He was appointed to the committee by Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. His office says the congressman has focused on issues related to the relationship between the US and China while serving on the House Republican China Task Force in the 116th and 117th Congress. LaHood says now more than ever, Congress must work in a bipartisan way to strengthen American economic competitiveness, bolster and secure supply chains, and protect our national and cyber security against China. He will also continue to serve on the US House Ways and Means Committee and will chair the subcommittee on work and welfare.