Intelligence Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Chair, I stand in support of the 2010 Intelligence Authorization Act.

This measure continues congress' commitment to delivering to the men and women who serve in the country's intelligence community the resources they need to conduct the vital work of protecting American lives. This bill ensures that these resources are delivered in a manner that strengthens accountability.

In addition to authorizing funding for 16 U.S. intelligence agencies and intelligence-related activities of the government, the bill contains important provisions to expand independent government oversight of the intelligence community so that the American public can be confident that the essential work of intelligence gathering is done in a manner that comports with the highest moral standards.

To ensure that all relevant members of congress are kept abreast of all important intelligence developments, the bill repeals the ``Gang of Eight'' provision which has for years limited some congressional intelligence committee member access to intelligence information and activities. With the passage of this measure, the president will be required to brief all covered members of congress on the covert actions and programs of the government. This will ensure that all officials who have been elected to oversee intelligence matters are briefed and aware of events as they unfold.

To help combat waste, fraud and abuse, the bill creates a new Office of the Inspector General and invests the office with subpoena powers and important protections to ensure its independence.

Madam Chair, Congress has not sent an intelligence authorization bill to the president for his signature in more than 5 years. That means for five years, congress has not been a full partner in the development of this country's national security policy. We need to pass this bill, not only to fulfill our oversight responsibilities, but also for the sake of the brave men and women in and out of uniform who have dedicated themselves to the important work this bill helps to fund.

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