Congressman's Twittering Prompts Pentagon Action

By: Christina Ruffini
Topics: In The News

(AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)

Congressman Pete Hoekstra (R-Michigan), a ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, caused what some have argued was a major lapse in security last week when he used the micro-blogging site Twitter to post real-time updates about a secret congressional envoy into Iraq.

Hoekstra's blogging blunder has now prompted action from the Pentagon, whose spokesman told the Associated Press today that they will be reevaluating their current policy, which is to keep the movements of congressional delegations secret until after the parties have arrived at their location.

In light of the popularity of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, the Pentagon said it may have to find different ways to communicate its non-disclosure policy to delegates traveling abroad.

The troublesome twittering occured last week during a Middle East trip led by House Minority Leader John Boehner . The delegation had been the subject of a media embargo - although many news outlets were aware of the trip, it was kept under-wraps due to obvious safety concerns.

Such apprehensions were evidently not obvious to Hoekstra, however, who used his blackberry to give blog subscribers a play-by-play account of the group's arrival in the region.

"Just landed in Baghdad. I believe it may be first time I've had bb service in Iraq. 11th trip here," he blogged from his handheld device.

Hoekstra continued to give updates on the convoy's progress through the city, writing: "Moved into green zone by helicopter Iraqi flag now over palace. Headed to new US embassy. Appears calmer less chaotic than previous here."

Hoekstra's office said the congressman was only trying to keep his digitally-savvy constituents well-informed and that he was well aware of any inherent safety risks.

"As the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Hoekstra is fully aware of security issues when travelling abroad. He believes in giving people in West Michigan as much access as possible, and posting on Twitter allows him to provide real-time insight into the sights and sounds of his congressional activities," his office said in a statement to Politico.

As for Hoekstra, he appears to be undeterred and has continued to update his twitter page several times a day.

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by idnnsg February 12, 2009 3:34 PM EST: "although many news outlets were aware of the trip"

"STOP RIGHT THERE
It was NOT a secret" -- HETUP

You don''t seem to understand the concept of a secret. A secret is information that is known to one or more people, but not shared with anyone outside of the group of authorized participants. Members of the media are OFTEN given secret information which they are not allowed to share until after some agreed-upon event or time.

Hoekstra is so stu.pid that he thinks he can just blab the info to anyone he wants to, whenever he wants to. Congressman Pete Hoekstra (R-Michigan), a "ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee" does NOT have the intelligence required for his position. He should be removed from the House Intelligence Committee.; Reply to this comment


by idnnsg February 12, 2009 3:28 PM EST: "it was kept under-wraps due to obvious safety concerns."

"Such apprehensions were evidently not obvious to Hoekstra, however, who used his blackberry to give blog subscribers a play-by-play account"

Can ANYONE tell me why ANYBODY ever thought republicans would make us "safe"? They''re a bunch of id.iots!; Reply to this comment


by nativewoman February 12, 2009 1:55 PM EST: Posted by HETUP at 06:07 AM : Feb 12, 2009

The article clearly states that although several news outlets were aware of the trip, a media embargo was in place and the story kept under wraps due to security concerns.

Hoekstra was announcing to the world the location and movements of the delegation with spiffy little real-time time stamps provided by Twitter.

And apparently he intends to continue to give such information to the world with no regard for his safety or the safety of the other members of the delegation.

Should such information lead to an attack, remember Hoekstra invited the attackers to the party and gave them locations and estimates of the best times to catch up with the delegation.

How thoughtful of him.; Reply to this comment


by briannorwood February 12, 2009 1:42 PM EST: I think it''s safe to say that Congressman Pete Hoekstra (R-Michigan) is a "twittering idiot!"; Reply to this comment


by drbsmith February 12, 2009 1:21 PM EST: If he knew the risks and did it anyway then he''s either stupid or retarded, or both. Or maybe he''s really communicating with the enemy in secret code.......or maybe it''s time he went home for good.; Reply to this comment


by hetup-2009 February 12, 2009 9:07 AM EST: "although many news outlets were aware of the trip"

STOP RIGHT THERE

It was NOT a secret

Why is the Pentagon using brute force on a non issue?

That is what this story needs to headline.; Reply to this comment


by ballpen1 February 12, 2009 6:49 AM EST: Republicans - strong on national security (as allways)...; Reply to this comment


by nothappyatall February 12, 2009 5:39 AM EST: about a secret congressional envoy into Iraq. "

According to BUSH its so safe there, yet we have these SECRET fly-in fly out fast "surprise" visits by US officials LOL; Reply to this comment


by hakgirl February 12, 2009 2:52 AM EST: Once again this fine young writer hits the spot with another great article, this time proving she can also handle the more serious side of reporting as well as her ever entertaining "life blogs".
The man in question is a disgrace and a danger to his fellow countrymen (or should that be country people these days?) and other coallition troups. He should be returned home and sacked!; Reply to this comment


by anillafield February 12, 2009 2:26 AM EST: These people keep proving that they really are as stupid and arrogant as their reputation.; Reply to this comment