Doesn't she say her hubby is willing to do this. That means at minimum a breakfast conversation with Joe regarding national security. Did he have this kind of clearance during this time frame? I do not think that security clearances means one is free to pillow talk regarding government secrets.
Just prior to US moving into Iraq, General Franks was on the hot seat for his wife being in the same space where secret communications were going on. IIRC and someone leaked that there was an investigation going on regarding General Franks.
What we do not know is when Joe and Val hatched this plan and if Joe solicited this recommendation in the first place.