House Democrats probe Trump's overhaul of security clearance process

A U.S. congressional committee on Monday demanded documents from the Trump administration relating to its overhaul of the background check process that determines who can handle Americas secret information. The House of Representatives Oversight Committee sent a letter to Mark Esper the acting defense secretary requesting documents and communications by July 8 relating to the ongoing overhaul which some U.S. officials have said is disorganized and behind schedule. The committee sent a separate letter demanding similar documents from the head of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management which is transferring its background check responsibilities to the Pentagon under the Trump administrations plan. The committee also requested a briefing on the status of the project which President Donald Trump outlined in an April 24 executive order.