The Intelligence Committee is one of the most important committees in Congress. It’s responsible for providing intelligence oversight and ensuring that national security agencies operate within the framework of the law. However, the Committee’s work is often shrouded in secrecy, making it difficult for the public to understand what it does. In this article, we will unravel the work of the Intelligence Committee and explain what you need to know.
What is the Intelligence Committee?
The Intelligence Committee is a committee of the United States House of Representatives. It was created in 1977 to oversee the activities of the United States Intelligence Community. The Committee has two primary roles:
1. To oversee the budget, policies, and programs of the Intelligence Community.
2. To ensure that the Intelligence Community operates within the law and is accountable to Congress and the American people.
What does the Intelligence Committee do?
The Intelligence Committee has a wide range of responsibilities, including:
1. Oversight of the 17 intelligence agencies that make up the Intelligence Community.
2. Conducting investigations into intelligence-related matters.
3. Reviewing and approving the Intelligence Community’s budget.
4. Providing guidance on intelligence-related legislation and policies.
The Committee also has a subcommittee on terrorism and intelligence that focuses on threats to national security, including cyber-security threats.
Key functions of the Intelligence Committee:
1. Conducting oversight of Intelligence Community activities
2. Reviewing and approving the Intelligence Community’s budget
3. Responding to intelligence-related crises
4. Conducting investigations into intelligence-related matters
5. Recommending intelligence-related legislation and policies
What are the Intelligence Committee’s major accomplishments?
The Intelligence Committee has played a key role in several important national security matters. Some of its major accomplishments include:
1. Investigating and reporting on intelligence failures related to the September 11 attacks.
2. Investigating and reporting on the CIA’s use of enhanced interrogation techniques.
3. Investigating and reporting on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Conclusion:
The Intelligence Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that the United States Intelligence Community operates effectively and within the law. Its work is often shrouded in secrecy and can be difficult for the public to follow. However, it’s important to understand its role and responsibilities. We hope that this article has provided some insight into what the Intelligence Committee does and why it’s important.
