“I never thought I would have to work on such a basic issue as this," the Texas Republican says about the federal security clearance process, which is still working on a large backlog of applications.

The conference has canceled the Republican congressman's keynote after criticism of his voting record on women’s rights issues.

Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, also painted a bleak picture when it comes to the cybersecurity threats the U.S. faces from foreign adversaries.

Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, is advising fellow lawmakers as they investigate Russia's involvement in the presidential election: "We’re talking about people’s lives."