NY Congressman Espaillat Statement Following Steve Bannon’s Removal From National Security Council

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Espaillat: "Someone like Steve Bannon should not hold a security clearance, no less serve on the National Security Council.”

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U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat.

Photo by: Office of U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat

Albany, NY - April 5, 2017 - Today U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on the White House announcement to remove Steve Bannon from the National Security Council. 
 
“Today President Donald Trump finally saw what I recognized, and what the American people, knew months ago - someone like Steve Bannon should not hold a security clearance, no less serve on the National Security Council,” said Rep. Espaillat.
 
“Steve Bannon has made numerous inflammatory statements in support of overthrowing the United States Government.  During an interview on August 22, 2016, Bannon referred to himself as a ‘Leninist,’ saying ‘Lenin... wanted to destroy the state, and that’s my goal too.  I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today’s establishment.’
 
“That is why I introduced the Make Our Government Safe Act, which would amend the National Security Act of 1947 to prevent anyone from serving on the National Security Council who has made the statements that Steve Bannon did about taking down the system.  My bill would prevent someone who has threatened to destroy the government from participating in or attending National Security Council meetings.
 
“And today, I stand a little more assured that Steve Bannon will not be serving on the National Security Council, and call upon President Trump to next remove him from The White House.”
 
Earlier this Congress, Rep. Espaillat introduced the “Make Our Government Safe Act,” which would prevent individuals who have threatened to destroy the government from participating in or attending National Security Council meetings and called for the immediate removal of Bannon from his role on the National Security Council.
 
Click here to read the “Make Our Government Safe Act” in its entirety.