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ICYMI: Bice Sends Letter Demanding Answers on DHS 'Disinformation Governance Board'

May 9, 2022

Washington D.C. – Representative Stephanie Bice and more than 170 Republican colleagues sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the establishment of its Disinformation Governance Board.

The letter outlines three primary concerns with the creation of the Board. First, the Members expressed ethical concerns about an organization charged with securing the homeland engaging in activities that could impact speech. Second, they believe the Department is overstepping its authority as a domestically focused organization by creating a board that would distract from its existing missions—especially during the ongoing border crisis. Third, the Members are concerned with the appointment of Nina Jankowicz, a self-proclaimed “internationally-recognized expert on disinformation” to head up the board. They expressed concern with Ms. Jankowicz’s questionable judgment on matters of disinformation and freedom of speech.

For these reasons, the signatories requested that DHS respond to the following questions thirty days from the date of receipt of this letter.

  1. Under what legal authority is DHS creating this Disinformation Governance Board?
  2. What is the Board’s specific directive and mission? What authorities will it have under the Department?
  3. How does this Board help DHS protect the homeland from threats? Why is DHS putting valuable resources toward a mission that it appears to have no equity in when there is an ongoing crisis at our southern border?
  4. Why was Ms. Jankowicz chosen to head this Board? Who were the other candidates considered for this position? What qualifications and vetting procedures did the Department utilize when determining who would head up the Disinformation Governance Board?

“Free speech is the bedrock of our nation and essential to a functioning democracy,” Rep. Bice said. “The Disinformation Board is another political stunt by the Biden Administration, which attacks the foundations of our great nation. Instead of policing the First Amendment, the Department of Homeland Security should focus on safeguarding our nation and securing the southern border.”

Read the full letter here.