Rep. Cat Cammack Advocates for Background Checks for Congressional Staff

Rep. Cat Cammack (R-Fla.) expressed her belief that Congressional employees should undergo background checks during a recent episode of her show. She discussed her resolution, House Resolution 500, aimed at enforcing such requirements.

Cammack stated, “I think background checks should be required for Congressional employees. Call me crazy, but I also believe they should disclose any dual citizenship they hold. Additionally, it’s important to know if they’ve worked for any foreign organizations or governments that received funding from abroad.”

She mentioned that many people are genuinely surprised to learn such checks are not currently mandatory.

“It’s one of those instances that leaves folks a bit puzzled. Every member I spoke to seemed to think this was already in effect. When I told them we don’t do background checks on staff, they reacted with disbelief, saying they assumed it was automatic,” she explained.

She noted that recent discussions have been challenging, especially following a State Department report highlighting foreign interference within the Capitol. This report detailed the presence of spies and activists aligned with radical groups who are placed in Congressional offices.

Cammack pointed out that CAIR, a pro-Islamic organization, has an internship program that places individuals as interns in Congressional offices. “These interns are often positioned as junior staff and may receive promotions,” she said.

“It’s significant to remember that CAIR is financed by the Muslim Brotherhood, and these individuals come into the Capitol without any background checks,” she added. “There’s a false assumption that if you’ve worked in a Congressional office, you’re trustworthy, but this isn’t acceptable. This is definitely a problem.”

Cammack emphasized that background checks are “criminal at the most basic level” and should ensure individuals disclose their connections to foreign nations.

“They should review all past employment, which involves checking multiple agencies and organizations. While it’s not as comprehensive as the checks required for a permit, the public needs to be aware of the situation. I’ve received a lot of feedback from people shocked that many have permits without background checks,” she explained, noting that only two staff members undergo such checks and security clearances. “They follow a rigorous vetting process.”

“On the flip side, the rest of the team remains unchecked,” she noted, expressing hope that these background checks could help identify harmful individuals like sexual predators.

Cammack remarked on the issue of sexual misconduct in the Capitol, pointing out that there are individuals engaging in troubling behaviors. “Some staff might have backgrounds involving stalking, harassment, or worse. You wouldn’t know unless a background check is conducted,” she said. “And it’s interesting that to work at a gas station or volunteer for a church, a background check is required.”

She added, “Even coaching my daughter’s soccer team involves a background check. So it’s pretty absurd that there’s nothing like this in place for Congressional staff.”