1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

As a Florida voter, I urge you to vote NO on Jay Clayton’s nomination to serve as Director of National Intelligence. The Director of National Intelligence oversees all of our nation’s intelligence agencies and is responsible for protecting our national security. This is not a position that should be filled based on political loyalty or personal relationships. It requires deep experience in intelligence, national security, and the complex threats facing our country. Mr. Clayton simply does not have those qualifications. His career has been spent primarily as a corporate securities attorney and financial regulator, not as an intelligence or national security professional. At a time when the United States faces increasingly sophisticated threats from China, Russia, Iran, cyberattacks, and international terrorism, our intelligence community deserves experienced leadership. I am also concerned by reports that Mr. Clayton has defended some of the Trump administration’s most controversial actions and promoted claims that have undermined confidence in our institutions. The Director of National Intelligence must be seen as an independent, credible leader whose first loyalty is to the Constitution and the security of the American people—not to any political figure or party. This nomination is especially troubling as Congress considers the future of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Any debate over surveillance authorities should be guided by a Director who has both unquestioned expertise in intelligence matters and a demonstrated commitment to protecting Americans’ constitutional rights. Mr. Clayton has not shown that he possesses either. Republicans have long argued that government should be led by qualified professionals, not by political insiders rewarded for loyalty. I agree. The safety of the American people is too important to lower the standards for this office. Please oppose Jay Clayton’s nomination and insist on a nominee with substantial intelligence and national security experience who can earn the confidence of Congress and the American people. Thank you for your time.