House Approves Intelligence Authorization Bill

December 12, 2001

WASHINGTON - Calling “intelligence gathering a key component to winning the war on terrorism,” Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve legislation authorizing appropriations for the intelligence activities of 12 federal agencies charged with gathering information vital to U.S. interests. The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 Conference Report, H.R. 2883, is an agreement between the House and Senate on funding levels for America’s intelligence operations. The legislation passed the House by voice vote.

“America’s intelligence agencies provide the information that will help us defeat terrorism,” said Dreier. “Strengthening our ability to monitor world events is essential to our national security and gives America an advantage against terrorists. By rebuilding our human intelligence resources, investing in new technologies and restructuring our Intelligence Community we will be better prepared for the challenges ahead.”

The Intelligence Authorization Act for FY02 Conference Report includes funding authorization for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the National Security Agency (NSA), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In addition, H.R. 2883 increases investments for FBI counterterrorism efforts and requires the development of new recruitment guidelines for human intelligence officers. The legislation also encourages the Administration to make bold changes to our Intelligence Community structure.

Dreier praised the efforts of Congressman Porter Goss (R-FL), Vice Chairman of the Rules Committee and Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, for his leadership in bringing this important legislation to the floor. “ H.R. 2883 will provide the resources America’s intelligence agencies need to effectively combat terrorism,” said Dreier.