Trey Gowdy Berates DHS Official Who Has No Clue About Rights

Video Transcript:

South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy was forced to teach a DHS official about Constitutional rights during a House hearing.

GOWDY: Let me ask you another question about the terrorism list. What process is afforded a U.S. citizen, not someone who has overstayed a visa, not someone who crossed the border without permission, but an American citizen; what process is currently afforded an American citizen before they go on that list?

KELLI BURRIESCI: I’m sorry, um, there’s not a process afforded the citizen prior to getting on the list; there is a process should someone feel they are unduly placed on the list.

GOWDY: Yes, there is. When I say process, I’m actually using half of the term due process, which is a phrase we find in the Constitution–that you cannot deprive people of certain things without due process. My question is can you name another constitutional right that we have that is chilled, until you find out it’s chilled–and then you have to petition the government to get it back. Is that true with the First Amendment?

BURRIESCI: Sir, there are strict criteria before anybody…

GOWDY: That is not my question. My question is what process is afforded a U.S. citizen before that person’s constitutional right is infringed? That he’s fine with doing it with the second amendment. My question is how about the first? How about we not let ‘em set up a website? Or a Google account? How about we not let ‘em join the Church until they can petition government to get off the list? How about not get a lawyer? How about the Sixth Amendment? How about you can’t get a lawyer until you petition the government to get off the list? Or my favorite, how about the Eighth Amendment? We’re going to subject you to cruel and unusual punishment until you petition the government to get off the list. Is there another Constitutional right that we treat the same way for American citizens that we do the Second Amendment? Can you think of one? Can you think of one?

BURRIESCI: I don’t have an answer for you, Sir.

GOWDY: Alright, well, I’m out of time.