NIE

NIE -- (House of Representatives - September 28, 2006)

(Ms. FOXX asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I have deep concerns over the recent politicizing of the intelligence reports while our country is in the midst of a global war on terror. This is irresponsible when it comes to classified intelligence. Politics should be the last thing involved in the intelligence community. It is not surprising to see a leak come right out before the elections and Democrats using it as a campaign tool.

The New York Times story was based upon selective information and that was distorted and inaccurate when taken out of its full context. Information is classified for a reason, but it is too late, and the damage is done.

Just after the President declassified the information to show that progress in the war on terror was being made through our intelligence service, Al Jazeera's Web site immediately posted a link to the document for their audience, which may include terrorists to review. Now they know sensitive aspects of our intelligence community's assessment of the war on terror.

Releasing this intelligence compromises our success in the war on terror and the safety of our troops. If this inspires one terrorist, and it most certainly will, the cost is far too high.

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