1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my grave concern about the recent reports that members of former President Donald Trump's team have refused to sign critical documents as mandated by the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. This refusal to comply with the law undermines the peaceful transfer of power—a cornerstone of our democracy—and poses significant risks to the safety and security of the United States. The Presidential Transition Act was designed to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of power between administrations, particularly in matters of national security, emergency preparedness, and government continuity. When outgoing officials fail to provide essential information or delay the transition process, it leaves critical gaps in our government’s ability to respond to domestic and international threats. Such delays could jeopardize classified intelligence sharing, pandemic response coordination, and military readiness, among other vital functions. I urge Congress to address this issue by taking the following actions: Strengthening Enforcement Mechanisms: Amend the Presidential Transition Act to include specific penalties for non-compliance, such as fines, loss of benefits, or other legal consequences for individuals who obstruct the process. Mandating Independent Oversight: Appoint an independent, bipartisan body to oversee presidential transitions, with the authority to compel compliance from both outgoing and incoming administrations. Expedited Legal Remedies: Establish a process for the Department of Justice or another relevant agency to swiftly intervene in cases where the transition is obstructed, ensuring that national security is not compromised. As your constituent, I believe it is critical that Congress upholds the principles of accountability and rule of law in this matter. Ensuring the integrity of presidential transitions is not a partisan issue—it is a fundamental requirement for a functioning democracy and a secure nation. I respectfully request that you prioritize this issue and advocate for the necessary legislative and oversight measures to protect future transitions. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I would appreciate any updates on steps being taken to address these concerns.