Adam Schiff Archives - Intelligence Community News https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/tag/adam-schiff/ Breaking news about the market for products, systems and services for the U.S. intelligence community Fri, 08 Feb 2019 13:42:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cropped-ICN-square-logo-400-32x32.jpg Adam Schiff Archives - Intelligence Community News https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/tag/adam-schiff/ 32 32 59882712 House intelligence committee to conduct investigation https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/house-intelligence-committee-to-conduct-investigation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=house-intelligence-committee-to-conduct-investigation Fri, 08 Feb 2019 13:42:07 +0000 https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/?p=21567 On February 6, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following...

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On February 6, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement following the Committee’s organizational meeting:

“Consistent with its jurisdiction, investigative responsibilities, and building on substantial work undertaken during the last Congress, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (“Committee”) will conduct a rigorous investigation into efforts by Russia and other foreign entities to influence the U.S. political process during and since the 2016 U.S. election.  In addition, the Committee will investigate the counterintelligence threat arising from any links or coordination between U.S. persons and the Russian government and/or other foreign entities, including any financial or other leverage such foreign actors may possess.

“In the more than two years since the Intelligence Community released its assessment of Russia’s malign influence operation targeting the 2016 U.S. elections, much has been learned about the scope and scale of Russia’s attack on our democracy, including how covert and overt Russian activities intersected with individuals associated with Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, transition, administration, and business interests, including the Trump Organization.  It is now known that, from late 2015 through early 2017, individuals close to Donald Trump engaged in a significant number of contacts with an array of individuals connected to, or working on behalf of, the Russian government, and that several of these contacts involved efforts to acquire and disseminate damaging information about Hillary Clinton and her campaign, or related to Russia’s desired relief from U.S. sanctions.

“While Special Counsel Robert Mueller continues his investigation into whether there were “any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the [Trump] campaign,” and whether any crimes were committed in connection with, or arising from, that investigation, the Committee must fulfill its responsibility to provide the American people with a comprehensive accounting of what happened, and what the United States must do to protect itself from future interference and malign influence operations.

“During the prior Congress, the Committee began to pursue credible reports of money laundering and financial compromise related to the business interests of President Trump, his family, and his associates. The President’s actions and posture towards Russia during the campaign, transition, and administration have only heightened fears of foreign financial or other leverage over President Trump and underscore the need to determine whether he or those in his Administration have acted in service of foreign interests since taking office.

“Unfortunately, these and numerous other avenues of inquiry were not completed during the last Congress.  Now, in the 116th Congress, the Committee’s investigation will focus principally on five interconnected lines of inquiry, beginning with these incomplete or unexamined investigative threads:

(1)    The scope and scale of the Russian government’s operations to influence the U.S. political process, and the U.S. government’s response, during and since the 2016 election;

(2)    The extent of any links and/or coordination between the Russian government, or related foreign actors, and individuals associated with Donald Trump’s campaign, transition, administration, or business interests, in furtherance of the Russian government’s interests;

(3)    Whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business, or his associates;

(4)    Whether President Trump, his family, or his associates are or were at any time at heightened risk of, or vulnerable to, foreign exploitation, inducement, manipulation, pressure, or coercion, or have sought to influence U.S. government policy in service of foreign interests; and

(5)    Whether any actors – foreign or domestic – sought or are seeking to impede, obstruct, and/or mislead authorized investigations into these matters, including those in the Congress.

“The Committee may pursue additional lines of inquiry regarding matters that arise from the investigation, and it intends to cooperate with other congressional committees, as needed, on matters of overlapping interest.  The Committee also plans to develop legislation and policy reforms to ensure the U.S. government is better positioned to counter future efforts to undermine our political process and national security.

“As its first act, the Committee has voted to release to the Department of Justice and its components, including the Special Counsel’s Office, transcripts of testimony taken before the Committee during the 115th Congress, with no restrictions on their use.

“The Committee also plans to release to the public all investigation transcripts, as it is committed to providing the American public with greater transparency and insight into Russia’s operations and the U.S. government’s response. To protect ongoing investigative interests and information that remains classified, the Committee will release transcripts in a manner and according to a timetable that allows continued pursuit of important leads and testimony, while ensuring that the American people have faith in the process and can assess for themselves the evidence that has been uncovered, while legitimate national security interests continue to be protected.

“As Chairman of the Committee, I am committed to leading a thorough and impartial investigation that will follow the facts, and I hope that our Minority counterparts will join us in that effort.  Congress has a duty to expose foreign interference, hold Russia to account, ensure that U.S. officials – including the President – are serving the national interest and, if not, are held accountable.”

Source: HPSCI

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House of Representatives passes FY18 intelligence authorization bill https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/house-of-representatives-passes-fy18-intelligence-authorization-bill/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=house-of-representatives-passes-fy18-intelligence-authorization-bill Mon, 31 Jul 2017 11:29:08 +0000 http://intelligencecommunitynews.com/?p=15251 On July 28, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (H.R. 3180) on...

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On July 28, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (H.R. 3180) on a bipartisan 380-35 vote.

This legislation provides the Intelligence Community (IC) the necessary resources and authorities to ensure they remain capable of protecting and defending the United States. The bill supports critical national security programs, particularly those focused on countering terrorism and cyberattacks. The total funding levels authorized by the bill are slightly below the President’s budget, balancing fiscal discipline and national security. This legislation:

Focuses the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) on core missions by eliminating several DIA components and functions or realigning them to other IC elements;

Defends against foreign threats to elections by requiring the Director of National Intelligence to electronically publish an unclassified advisory report on foreign counterintelligence and cybersecurity threats to election campaigns for federal offices;

Bolsters intelligence oversight by ensuring that IC contractors can meet freely with Congress; and

Improves IC accountability to Congress by requiring the IC to provide reports on:

o   Investigations of leaks of classified information;

o   Security clearance processing timelines;

o   The process for reviewing information about computer vulnerabilities for retention or potential release; and

o   Russian influence campaigns directed at foreign elections and threat finance activities.

The Act makes no changes to any surveillance authorities, including those set to expire later this year, which will be addressed in separate legislation.

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes said: “This is a crucial, bipartisan bill that will keep the Intelligence Community fully funded and subject to robust congressional oversight. I thank the House for passing the IAA on a bipartisan basis, and I look forward to its quick passage in the Senate.”

Ranking Member Adam Schiff said: “I am pleased that the House has once again passed the Intelligence Authorization Act with a strong bipartisan majority. This year’s intelligence authorization bill makes sure our intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense have the resources, authorities, and capabilities they need to protect our nation, but it also ensures vigorous oversight, particularly to make sure privacy and civil liberties are protected.”

For more information on the bill, click here.

Source: HPSCI

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House Intel Committee passes FY18 Intelligence Authorization Bill https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/house-intel-committee-passes-fy18-intelligence-authorization-bill/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=house-intel-committee-passes-fy18-intelligence-authorization-bill Mon, 17 Jul 2017 11:36:48 +0000 http://intelligencecommunitynews.com/?p=15096 On July 14, by a unanimous voice vote, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence reported the Intelligence Authorization Act...

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On July 14, by a unanimous voice vote, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence reported the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (H.R. 3180) to the full House of Representatives.

According to the committee, this legislation provides the Intelligence Community (IC) the necessary resources and authorities to ensure they remain capable of protecting and defending the United States.

The bill supports critical national security programs, particularly those focused on countering terrorism and cyberattacks. The total funding levels authorized by the bill are slightly below the president’s budget, balancing fiscal discipline and national security. This legislation:

  • Focuses the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) on core missions by eliminating several DIA components and functions or realigning them to other IC elements;
  • Defends against foreign threats to elections by requiring the Director of National Intelligence to electronically publish an unclassified advisory report on foreign counterintelligence and cybersecurity threats to election campaigns for federal offices;
  • Bolsters intelligence oversight by ensuring that IC contractors can meet freely with Congress; and
  • Improves IC accountability to Congress by requiring the IC to provide reports on:
  1. Investigations of leaks of classified information;
  2. Security clearance processing timelines;
  3. The process for reviewing information about computer vulnerabilities for retention or potential release; and
  4. Russian influence campaigns directed at foreign elections and threat finance activities.

The Act makes no changes to any surveillance authorities, including those set to expire later this year, which will be addressed in separate legislation.

Chairman Devin Nunes said: “At a time when our nation faces major national security challenges from terrorist groups as well as nation states, it’s crucial that the Intelligence Community receive all the resources it needs to do its job while Congress has the necessary tools to carry out rigorous oversight of its work. This bill will ensure that our intelligence professionals have the biggest chance of success in thwarting foreign threats.”

Ranking Member Adam Schiff said: “Our nation faces a diverse and growing array of threats, and it is more important than ever that we provide the intelligence agencies with the resources, authorities and capabilities they need to protect our nation, while also ensuring we protect our privacy and civil liberties. This bill is the product of months of oversight and examination and a bipartisan commitment to the nation’s security. I look forward to taking the bill up on the House floor and to its eventual passage.”

For more information on the bill, click here.

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House of Representatives passes Intelligence Authorization Act https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/house-of-representatives-passes-intelligence-authorization-act/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=house-of-representatives-passes-intelligence-authorization-act Thu, 04 May 2017 11:14:42 +0000 http://intelligencecommunitynews.com/?p=14314 On May 3, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2017. The IAA, which...

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On May 3, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2017.

The IAA, which was approved as part of the omnibus spending bill, ensures that the programs and activities of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) are authorized by law, fully resourced, and subject to rigorous congressional oversight. Focusing on current terrorism threats as well as other long-term challenges, the bill includes provisions to ensure good governance and fiscal responsibility, strengthen our technical collection and analysis capabilities in cyberspace and other domains, and better ensure continuous IC accountability throughout the year. The legislation does not include any provisions related to surveillance authorities.

The IAA’s final text is the result of agreement between the House and Senate Intelligence Committees. It is largely the same as the most recent version of the IAA (H.R. 6480), which was approved in the House by unanimous consent on December 8, 2016. Overall, today’s bill:

  • Sustains critical capabilities to fight terrorism and counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

  • Enhances efforts against nation-state competitors, in particular, by increasing scrutiny of Russian activities, including Russia’s covert influence efforts and its compliance with the Open Skies Treaty.

  • Requires declassification reviews of intelligence on past terrorist activities of individuals transferred from Guantanamo Bay to foreign countries; and, if any such intelligence is declassified, also requires public release of information about how such countries are mitigating threats posed by the former detainees.

  • Prevents the executive branch from charging greater reproduction fees for mandatory declassification reviews than it would charge for Freedom of Information Act requests.

  • Clarifies eligibility for death benefits for Central Intelligence Agency personnel.

  • Improves Intelligence Community reporting to Congress.

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes said, “The IAA is the most critical legislation in Congress for providing the Intelligence Community with the resources and authorities it needs to protect the American people from terrorists, cyber-attacks, and hostile nation-states. The Act will also ensure robust congressional oversight of the Intelligence Community’s activities. I look forward to the Act’s swift passage in the Senate and the President signing it into law.”

Ranking Member Adam Schiff said, “This year’s intelligence authorization will ensure that our military and intelligence agencies and professionals have the resources, authorities and capabilities they need to protect our nation. The IAA will also ensure that we will maintain thorough and tenacious oversight, particularly to ensure that Americans’ privacy and civil liberties are protected. I look forward to its passage in the Senate, and the President signing it into law.”

Source: HPSCI

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House Intelligence Committee leaders establish parameters for Russia investigation https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/house-intelligence-committee-leaders-establish-parameters-for-russia-investigation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=house-intelligence-committee-leaders-establish-parameters-for-russia-investigation Thu, 02 Mar 2017 12:07:04 +0000 http://intelligencecommunitynews.com/?p=13354 House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes and Ranking Member Adam Schiff have approved the Scope of Investigation for the inquiry...

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House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes and Ranking Member Adam Schiff have approved the Scope of Investigation for the inquiry by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence into the Russian active measures campaign targeting the 2016 U.S. election, the committee announced March 1. While the detailed, six-page scoping document remains classified, the investigation will seek to answer the following questions:

  • What Russian cyber activity and other active measures were directed against the United States and its allies?
  • Did the Russian active measures include links between Russia and individuals associated with political campaigns or any other U.S. Persons?
  • What was the U.S. Government’s response to these Russian active measures and what do we need to do to protect ourselves and our allies in the future?
  • What possible leaks of classified information took place related to the Intelligence Community Assessment of these matters?

To answer these questions, the committee will seek access to and custody of all relevant information, including law enforcement and counterintelligence information, consistent with the committee’s oversight jurisdiction and investigative responsibilities. The committee’s inquiry will not, however, impede any ongoing investigation.

The committee will also conduct interviews, take witness testimony, and review all reporting underlying the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) “Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections.” The inquiry will seek to ensure that the ICA comported with all relevant Intelligence Community analytic standards, and that allegations of Russian collusion with any U.S. Persons and the leaks of classified information are fully investigated. While the committee has access to the reporting underlying the ICA, the Scope of Investigation reiterates the need to expand access to those documents and to ensure they are delivered to and stored at the committee. It also sets forth the expectation that the Intelligence Community provide any other relevant intelligence to the committee.

Chairman Nunes said, “The Intelligence Committee has been investigating Russia for years and warning about the Putin regime’s hostile international actions, its aggression in cyber space, and its influential international propaganda campaigns. The committee is determined to continue and expand its inquiries into these areas, including Russian activities related to the 2016 U.S. elections. On a bipartisan basis, we will fully investigate all the evidence we collect and follow that evidence wherever it leads.”

Ranking Member Schiff stated, “The House Intelligence Committee must conduct a bipartisan investigation into Russia’s interference in our election.  We must follow the facts wherever they may lead, leaving no stone unturned, and that must also include both the Russian hacking and dumping of documents as well as any potential collusion between Russia and U.S. citizens. This investigation is a national security necessity and anything less than a full accounting of all the facts will be insufficient to protect the country and meet the expectations of the American people.”

Source: HPSCI

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House intel committee leaders issue update on inquiry into Russian “active measures” https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/house-intel-committee-leaders-issue-update-on-inquiry-into-russian-active-measures/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=house-intel-committee-leaders-issue-update-on-inquiry-into-russian-active-measures Thu, 26 Jan 2017 12:25:27 +0000 http://intelligencecommunitynews.com/?p=12974 On January 25, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) leaders released a joint statement on the progress of HPSCI’s...

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On January 25, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) leaders released a joint statement on the progress of HPSCI’s bipartisan inquiry into Russian “active measures.”

Today, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes and Ranking Member Adam Schiff released the following statement:

For many years, one of the House Intelligence Committee’s highest priorities has been to oversee the Intelligence Community’s activities to counter Russian aggression, including the cyber-attacks directed against the United States in the last year.

As part of this oversight responsibility, the Committee has been undertaking a bipartisan inquiry of these activities and the underlying intelligence used to draft the Intelligence Community Assessment, “Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections”.

While the Committee has already begun to receive important documents, we trust that the incoming leadership of the Intelligence Community will fully and promptly support our requests for information related to the inquiry. It will not be adequate to review these documents, expected to be in the thousands of pages, at the agencies. They should be delivered to the House Intelligence Committee to provide members adequate time to examine their content.

The scope of the Committee’s inquiry has included, and will continue to include:

  • Russian cyber activity and other “active measures” directed against the U.S. and its allies;
  • Counterintelligence concerns related to Russia and the 2016 U.S. election, including any intelligence regarding links between Russia and individuals associated with political campaigns;
  • The United States Government response to these Russian active measures and any impact they may have on intelligence relationships and traditional alliances; and
  • Possible leaks of classified information related to the Intelligence Community’s assessments of these matters.

This issue is not about party, but about country. The Committee will continue to follow the facts wherever they may lead.

Source: HPSCI

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House Intel Committee releases declassified Snowden report https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/house-intel-committee-releases-declassified-snowden-report/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=house-intel-committee-releases-declassified-snowden-report Fri, 23 Dec 2016 12:42:04 +0000 http://intelligencecommunitynews.com/?p=12674 On December 22, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released a declassified version of its investigative report on Edward...

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On December 22, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released a declassified version of its investigative report on Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who fled to China and then Russia after stealing an estimated 1.5 million classified documents.

The report, including redactions for classified information, was the result of a two-year inquiry into Snowden’s background, likely motivations, and methods of theft, as well as the damage done to U.S. national security as a result of his actions. The report was completed in September 2016 and submitted to the Intelligence Community for a declassification review.

Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes said, “I’m gratified that, with the completion of the declassification review, the American people can now get a fuller account of Edward Snowden’s crimes and the reckless disregard he has shown for U.S. national security, including the safety of American servicemen and women. It will take a long time to mitigate the damage he caused, and I look forward to the day when he returns to the United States to face justice.”

Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Adam Schiff said, “Snowden and his defenders claim that he is a whistleblower, but he isn’t, as the Committee’s review shows.  Most of the material he stole had nothing to do with Americans’ privacy, and its compromise has been of great value to America’s adversaries and those who mean to do America harm. Whistleblowers are important to proper oversight and we will protect them from retaliation, and those who engage in civil disobedience are willing to stay and face the consequences.”

NSA and Cybersecurity Subcommittee Chairman Lynn Westmoreland said, “The American people have every right to know the extent of the damage Edward Snowden did to our national security, and I applaud the declassification of the House Intelligence Committee’s report. Not only did Snowden endanger American servicemembers, threaten critical relationships across the globe, and reduce our allies’ ability to counter terror attacks, but repairing the damage he did cost a tremendous amount of taxpayer dollars and more importantly, used up valuable time and resources that should be spent keeping our country safe. This extensive report shows Snowden is no hero, and that he should be brought to justice for his reckless actions.”

To read the declassified report, click here. To read Intelligence Committee highlights of the report, click here.

Source: HPSCI

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OSS Congressional Gold Medal Act passed by Congress https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/oss-congressional-gold-medal-act-passed-by-congress/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=oss-congressional-gold-medal-act-passed-by-congress Tue, 06 Dec 2016 12:03:58 +0000 http://intelligencecommunitynews.com/?p=12446 The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 2234) was passed by the House of Representatives on...

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Office of Strategic ServicesThe Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 2234) was passed by the House of Representatives on November 30, the Falls Church, VA-based OSS Society announced. The OSS was the World War II predecessor to the CIA, the US Special Operations Command and the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research. It was created in 1942 by President Roosevelt who appointed Gen. William Donovan, a World War I Medal of Honor recipient, as its director. Donovan is the founding father of the US intelligence and special operations communities.

The OSS played a critical role in America’s victory in World War II. It gathered critical intelligence that led to the success of the D-Day and other invasions. America’s leading academics served in its Research and Analysis Branch. It supported, trained and led resistance movements around the globe. The OSS created new technologies and devised innovative methodologies. Its personnel went behind enemy lines on the most dangerous missions of World War II. The OSS ran one of the war’s most important spies, the German diplomat Fritz Kolbe. Its Morale Operations Branch pioneered the use of psychological operations.

The OSS drew its personnel from every branch of the military. Its Maritime Unit was a predecessor to the Navy SEALs. Its Jedburghs and Operational Groups were predecessors to the Green Berets, the US Army Special Forces. The 801st/492nd Bombardment Group (“Carpetbaggers”), and other elements of the US Army Air Corps, the air arm of the OSS, were predecessors to the Air Force Special Operations Command. The Marines who served in the OSS were predecessors to the Marine Corps Special Operations Command. It drew its operational swimmers from the US Coast Guard.

OSS personnel included the Hollywood actor Sterling Hayden; Fred Mayer, the real “inglorious bastard” who was nominated for the Medal of Honor: the “French Chef” Julia Child; Virginia Hall, the only American civilian woman to receive the Distinguished Service Cross in World War II; Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg; Hollywood director John Ford; James Donovan, the OSS general counsel who was portrayed by Tom Hanks in “Bridge of Spies”; Ralph Bunche, the first person of color to receive the Nobel Peace Prize; Medal of Freedom recipients Moe Berg and Marlene Dietrich; four CIA directors (William Casey, William Colby, Allen Dulles and Richard Helms); Nobel Physics Prize recipient Jack Kilby, who invented the integrated circuit; and Pulitzer Price recipient and JFK aide Arthur Schlesinger Jr.

“For many years, the heroic contributions of the OSS – which included some of the most daring covert operations of World War II — remained shrouded in secrecy, their contributions largely unknown to the American public. Today, Congress is able to publicly recognize the members of the OSS for their remarkable heroism and many sacrifices,” said Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), who cosponsored the Senate bill with Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO). “As the predecessor to the modern CIA, other elements of the U.S. intelligence community, and U.S. special operations forces, the OSS once boasted nearly 13,000 members, but more than 70 years after they won the war, fewer than 100 are still with us. I know how much it means to the veterans of the OSS, as well as their families, that this legislation is finally making its way to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Today, Congress has ensured that their courage of spirit and their love of country will long live on in our nation’s memory.”

“From establishing intelligence networks deep behind enemy lines to bolstering resistance organizations throughout Europe and Asia, the members of the OSS saved thousands of lives and played a critical role in securing the Allied victory in World War II,” said Sen. Roy Blunt.

“Honoring veterans of the OSS with a Congressional Gold Medal will ensure that their heroic actions during one of our country’s most trying times will not be forgotten,” said Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH), the bill’s House sponsor. “The clandestine nature of the OSS often meant members had to operate behind enemy lines in situations calling for unquestionable bravery and unparalleled skill. Their actions played an important role in winning the war and saved countless American lives in the process.”

Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) said she was “deeply honored … to pay tribute to the patriotic and fearless soldiers of the OSS. Over 13,000 exceptional Americans comprised the Office of Strategic Services, formed clandestinely during World War II by President Roosevelt.”

Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said: “The Office of Strategic Services was filled with patriots who honorably served their country while making an enormous contribution to the defeat of the Axis powers. It’s gratifying to see Congress recognize their heroism.”

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Adam Schiff (D-CA) said: “The men and women who served our country in the Office of the Strategic Service are among the most deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal. The OSS, members of our “Greatest Generation,” were the faces and minds behind our modern intelligence community and helped vanquish some of the most malevolent enemies that our country, and indeed the world, has ever faced. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, and I am pleased the bill has finally been passed by the House and will hopefully soon be signed into law.”

Charles Pinck, president of The OSS Society, said: “General Donovan said OSS personnel performed ‘some of the bravest acts of the war.’ We are very grateful to the Majority Leader, the bills’ sponsors in the House and Senate, and the 393 cosponsors from both bodies for recognizing their bravery with a Congressional Gold Medal. We look forward to the presentation of this medal next year to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the OSS’ founding.”

Dana Hudson, the daughter of Capt. James W. Hudson, Sr., said: “It is a great honor to see this important bill passed this year. My father and his OSS colleagues put their lives on the line, often alone, in enemy territory for one purpose: to preserve the freedom of our nation and the world. I only wish he were here to receive this honor himself.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress’ highest civilian honor. The bill, which was passed by the US Senate earlier this year, now goes to President Obama for his signature.

Source: The Oss Society, Inc

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House of Representatives passes intelligence authorization bill https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/house-of-representatives-passes-intelligence-authorization-bill/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=house-of-representatives-passes-intelligence-authorization-bill Mon, 05 Dec 2016 11:55:19 +0000 http://intelligencecommunitynews.com/?p=12434 On December 2, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2017 on a...

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house-112On December 2, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2017 on a bipartisan 390-30 vote.

The bill (H.R. 6393) ensures that the programs and activities of the U.S. Intelligence Community are authorized by law, fully resourced, and subject to rigorous congressional oversight. Focusing on current terrorism threats as well as other long-term challenges, the bill includes provisions to ensure good governance and fiscal responsibility, strengthen our technical collection and analysis capabilities in cyberspace and other domains, and better ensure continuous IC accountability throughout the year.

The bill improves upon the previous version of the IAA, H.R. 5077, which passed the House of Representatives on a 371-35 vote on May 24. H.R. 6393 also incorporates proposals from the Intelligence Authorization Act reported by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (S. 3017).

Specifically, the fiscal year 2017 IAA:

  • Sustains critical capabilities to fight terrorism and counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
  • Enhances efforts against nation-state competitors, in particular, by increasing scrutiny of Russian activities, including Russia’s covert influence efforts and its compliance with the Open Skies Treaty.
  • Requires declassification reviews of intelligence on past terrorist activities of individuals transferred out of Guantanamo Bay.
  • Strengthens Congressional oversight of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) by setting authorization requirements for the PCLOB and directing PCLOB to keep Congress fully and currently informed of its oversight activities.
  • Prevents the executive branch from charging greater reproduction fees for mandatory declassification reviews than it would charge for Freedom of Information Act requests.
  • Updates Intelligence Community whistleblowing procedures.
  • Clarifies eligibility for death benefits for Central Intelligence Agency personnel.
  • Improves Intelligence Community reporting to Congress.

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes said, “We task our Intelligence Community with countering foreign threats ranging from ISIS-inspired terror plots to cyber-attacks, and our intelligence professionals deserve to know they will receive the resources they need to perform their difficult and often dangerous jobs. I’m gratified to see this critical legislation pass the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I look forward to its quick passage in the Senate.”

Ranking Member Adam Schiff (D-CA) said, “The IAA we passed today will strengthen the intelligence community’s ability to protect the country, prioritize continuing and emergency threats, combat terrorism, and provide the very best intelligence to policy makers. This bill advances important privacy, transparency and security goals, including by fully authorizing the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. The bill has no GTMO transfer restrictions, and it contains important provisions aimed at countering Russia’s destabilizing efforts—including those targeting our elections. It’s my hope that the remaining issues are resolved quickly, and that the IAA can be signed by President Obama before the end of the year.”

The unclassified bill text and additional information are available here.

Source: HPSCI

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Intelligence Committee approves Snowden report https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/intelligence-committee-approves-snowden-report/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=intelligence-committee-approves-snowden-report Fri, 16 Sep 2016 11:04:42 +0000 http://intelligencecommunitynews.com/?p=11620 The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence today unanimously voted to adopt an investigative report on Edward Snowden, the former...

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hpsci-112The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence today unanimously voted to adopt an investigative report on Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who fled to China and then Russia after stealing 1.5 million classified documents. The result of a two-year inquiry, the report describes Snowden’s background, likely motivations, and methods of theft, as well as the damage done to U.S. national security as a result of his actions.

Contrary to Snowden’s self-portrayal as a principled whistleblower, the report reveals that he was a disgruntled employee who had frequent conflicts with his managers and was reprimanded just two weeks before he began illegally downloading classified documents. Although he claims to have been motivated by privacy concerns, the report finds that Snowden did not voice such concerns to any oversight officials, and his actions infringed on the privacy of thousands of government employees and contractors. Additionally, the vast majority of the documents he stole had no connection to privacy or civil liberties. Furthermore, Snowden’s basic knowledge of NSA programs is thrown into doubt by his failure to pass NSA’s basic annual training on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Snowden’s actions did severe damage to U.S. national security, compromising the Intelligence Community’s anti-terror efforts and endangering the security of the American people as well as active-duty U.S. troops.

Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes said, “Edward Snowden is no hero – he’s a traitor who willfully betrayed his colleagues and his country. He put our servicemembers and the American people at risk after perceived slights by his superiors. In light of his long list of exaggerations and outright fabrications detailed in this report, no one should take him at his word. I look forward to his eventual return to the United States, where he will face justice for his damaging crimes.”

Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Adam Schiff said, “Snowden has long portrayed himself as a truth-seeking whistleblower whose actions were designed solely to defend privacy, and whose disclosures did no harm to the country’s security. The Committee’s Review—a product of two years of extensive research—shows his claims to be self-serving and false, and the damage done to our national security to be profound. The Review also shows that the Intelligence Community still has much to do to institutionalize post-Snowden reforms to protect the nation’s sources and methods.”

NSA and Cybersecurity Subcommittee Chairman Lynn Westmoreland said, “Edward Snowden made a decision that did more damage to U.S. national security than any other individual in our nation’s history. His actions harmed our relationships around the world, endangered American soldiers in warzones, and reduced our allies’ collective ability to prevent terrorist attacks. Snowden must be prosecuted and he should receive the full punishment afforded by law for his actions. The resolve of those of us who fully understand the nature of the man and the damage he caused will not falter in our quest to bring him to justice.”

NSA and Cybersecurity Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim Himes said, “I appreciate this report and regret only that more of its conclusions cannot be made public. Two things are clear: Snowden stole immense quantities of classified information irrelevant to the important debate on privacy and surveillance, much of which puts at risk our men and women in uniform. Furthermore, this, and Snowden’s flight to our adversaries is inconsistent with the estimable tradition of civil disobedience.”

Although the Intelligence Committee’s 36-page report, which contains 230 footnotes, is classified, it is available to all members of the House of Representatives. An unclassified executive summary is available here.

Separately, all Intelligence Committee members sent a bipartisan letter to President Obama today urging him not to pardon Edward Snowden. The letter is available here.

Source: HPSCI

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