Ryan: Clinton Should Be Blocked From Receiving Classified Briefings As a Candidate

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is calling for the director of national intelligence to "block" Hillary Clinton from accessing classified information as a presidential nominee.

Ryan's comments come after FBI Director James Comey said Clinton, who used a private email server during her time as secretary of state, was "extremely careless" in her handling of classified information. However, Comey chose not to recommend charges against Clinton.

Image source: Fox News screen grab

It is common practice for the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees to receive classified intelligence briefings as the general election draws closer.

"I think the DNI, the director of national intelligence, should block [Clinton's] access to classified information," he told Fox News host Megyn Kelly Tuesday night, "given how recklessly she handled this during the presidential campaign."

Comey, speaking during a press conference Tuesday, announced the the FBI's probe uncovered 110 emails that included classified information "at the time" they were sent or received and eight contained "top secret" information. Additionally, the director revealed that it is possible hostile actors gained access to Clinton's server.

Ryan said earlier that Comey's decision not to recommend charges against Clinton "defies explanation."

"No one should be above the law," the House speaker said. "But based upon the director's own statement, it appears damage is being done to the rule of law. Declining to prosecute Secretary Clinton for recklessly mishandling and transmitting national security information will set a terrible precedent."

The FBI director said that "no reasonable prosecutor" would bring charges against the former secretary of state even though there is "evidence of potential violations of the statutes regarding the handling of classified information."

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who came under fire for holding a private 30-minute meeting with former President Bill Clinton last week, indicated she would accept whatever recommendation the FBI offered.

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