by the United States House Intelligence Committee staff

“ The “dossier” compiled by Christopher Steele (Steele dossier) on behalf of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Hillary Clinton campaign formed an essential part of the Carter Page FISA application. Steele was a longtime FBI source who was paid over $160,000 by the DNC and Clinton campaign, via the law firm Perkins Coie and research firm Fusion GPS, to obtain derogatory information on Donald Trump’s ties to Russia. ”

“ Accordingly, the Committee's request to release the Memorandum is interpreted as a request for declassification pursuant to the President's authority.
The President understands that the protection of our national security represents his highest obligation. ”

“ Accordingly. he has directed lawyers and national security staff to assess the declassification request, consistent with established standards governing the handling of classified information, including those under Section 3.1 (d) of Executive Order 13526. ”