In the wake of a national security controversy involving a leaked Signal group chat titled “Houthi PC Small Group,” Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) introduces new legislation aimed at curbing the unauthorized sharing of classified information over unsecured communication platforms. The proposed legislation, titled the “HOUTHI PC SMALL GROUP Act,” would make it a federal crime for government officials to use outside encrypted messaging apps—such as Signal, WhatsApp, or Telegram—to discuss classified or sensitive national security matters.
The bill, introduced on the House floor this week, is a direct response to a scandal that erupted after it was revealed that several high-ranking U.S. military and intelligence officials used a Signal group chat to coordinate sensitive discussions surrounding military operations in Yemen and the Red Sea, including potential strikes on Houthi rebel targets. The situation escalated after a journalist was mistakenly added to the group and gained access to unredacted messages, sparking a wave of bipartisan concern and calls for a formal investigation.
Torres, speaking from Capitol Hill, describes the legislation as a “necessary guardrail” to restore integrity and accountability in national security communication. “It is unacceptable that military or intelligence officials entrusted with safeguarding this country are using unvetted, unsecured channels to communicate classified information. This isn’t just reckless—it’s dangerous,” Torres says.
Under the HOUTHI PC SMALL GROUP Act, federal employees or contractors found guilty of knowingly transmitting classified material through non-governmental or unauthorized digital platforms would face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. The legislation also outlines reporting requirements and mandates that all communications regarding classified operations be logged through secure government-managed systems.
The controversy stems from internal discussions related to the Biden and Trump administrations’ conflicting approaches to Houthi rebels in Yemen, including U.S. Navy deployments and intercepted drone attacks in the Red Sea. Sources say the leaked chat revealed real-time planning of strategic military options, including names of vessels and operations that were not cleared for public release.
The backlash intensifies after it becomes known that Pete Hegseth, the current Secretary of Defense under President Trump, was involved in the Signal chat and allegedly used the platform to coordinate discussions with White House and Pentagon personnel. Several Democrats, including Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), call for Hegseth’s immediate resignation, accusing him of gross negligence and endangering military personnel.
In a fiery response, Hegseth dismisses the allegations as “a partisan smear,” claiming that no classified material was intentionally shared and that the incident has been exaggerated for political purposes. “That’s a lie,” Hegseth says in a public interview. “Nothing I said was classified, and I have the utmost respect for the protocols that govern our military’s security.”
Nonetheless, lawmakers across party lines express alarm at the lack of internal safeguards. Sen. Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, calls the breach “deeply troubling,” noting that even accidental leaks via secure apps pose significant national security risks. Republican lawmakers have been more cautious in their response, with some urging a focus on tightening internal communication policies rather than launching a full investigation.
The House Oversight Committee is now conducting a preliminary inquiry into the incident. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense confirms that it is reviewing internal communication protocols and access logs tied to the Signal chat in question.
The Houthi PC Small Group Signal chat scandal underscores growing concerns in Washington over the use of private, encrypted messaging platforms among high-ranking government officials. Cybersecurity experts warn that these apps, while useful in private sectors, are not designed to handle the strict security needs of top-secret military and intelligence discussions.
The proposed legislation is expected to gain support from lawmakers focused on intelligence, cybersecurity, and military affairs. Still, some civil liberties groups are already raising concerns about potential overreach and how enforcement of the law could impact whistleblowers or low-level staff who may unwittingly violate communication rules.
Sources:
https://youtu.be/wGEFPr__Pdw
https://youtu.be/PQ65s5FlDg8
https://abcnews.go.com
https://politico.com
https://cnn.com
https://reuters.com
https://nytimes.com
