WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., today issued the following statement concerning statements by White House Deputy National Security Adviser John Brennan on "Meet the Press."
"Can anyone take seriously the White House's assertion that it consulted with Republicans when President Obama didn't even consult his own Director of National Intelligence, FBI Director or Homeland Security Secretary concerning Abdulmutallab? Anyone who knows my record and the leadership of Republicans on national security issues knows that we have not been shy about expressing our thoughts and strategies with the administration.
"The mishandling of this case is the Obama administration's failure, and they have no one to blame but themselves. President Obama failed to respond after the terrorist attack at Fort Hood, and failed to respond immediately after the terrorist attack in Detroit.
"Instead of lashing out politically and attempting to deflect blame, Obama and his advisers need to settle on a coherent and rational national security strategy to help secure our homeland.
"I have focused squarely on protecting our nation and giving the intelligence community the tools, resources and authorities to prevent the next attack. If the Obama administration is serious about seeking Republican consultation, we would be happy to discuss our concerns about:
1. President Obama's bungled attempt to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.
2. The risks of his strategy to ship jihadist terrorists off to al-Qaeda safe havens and to hold others in communities around America.
3. His failed attempt to give Khalid Sheikh Mohammed an international platform to bash America by holding a civilian trial for him and his fellow conspirators in New York City.
4. President Obama's decision to target Americans for killing without due process while at the same time denouncing the Bush administration's handling of foreign terrorists and investigating CIA officers for carrying-out presidentially authorized and congressionally supported aggressive counterterrorism efforts."
Facts:
Hoekstra had a brief, non-secure conversation with Brennan. Brennan only informed him that Abdulmutallab had severe burns and was being treated.
Contrary to what he attempts to imply, he at no time informed Hoekstra that Abdulmutallab had been Mirandized nor did he seek Hoekstra's consultation or provide any sort of meaningful briefing. The faulty decision to Mirandize Abdulmuttalab was the Obama administration’s, and its decision alone.
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