Intelligence Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2701.

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis, and Counterintelligence, I am pleased that today we can discuss the merits and qualities of this much needed, and long overdue, legislation. This bill will support critical U.S. intelligence capabilities, enhance congressional oversight, and improve accountability across the Intelligence Community.

In addition to modifying congressional notification procedures for covert actions and providing a framework to allow GAO access to the Intelligence Community, this legislation also contains several important reporting requirements.

Specifically, H.R. 2701 includes a reporting requirement related to the Intelligence Community's involvement in detention and interrogation activities. This report will assist in improving the effectiveness of interrogations and prevent the repeat of past abuses by directing the Director of National Intelligence to revisit training policies and procedures for interrogators, as well as evaluate current scientific research on the conduct of interrogations.

Another provision requires the newly created Inspector General of the Intelligence Community to study the electronic waste disposal practices of the IC. This provision serves a dual purpose: to protect our environment and our national security.

The language directs the IC/IG to assess both the environmental impact of disposal practices and the steps taken to ensure that discarded devices do not contain sensitive information that can be exploited by our adversaries.

Madam Speaker, this legislation is long overdue and will enhance the capabilities of the Intelligence Community and make our nation safer. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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