Evan Bayh: “I begin my remarks by praising both Senators Reid and McConnell for the important work they have done on this underlying…”

“I begin my remarks by praising both Senators Reid and McConnell for the important work they have done on this underlying amendment. They have accomplished some very good things that will strengthen the intelligence system in this country and, in so doing, strengthen our Nation's security. I have had the honor of serving on the Intelligence Committee for the last 3 or 4 years. During that time, I have developed some grave concerns about the strength of that committee and our ability to exert the kind of oversight and leadership in the area of strengthening the Nation's intelligence that these difficult times demand. Senators Reid and McConnell have addressed some of those concerns very directly. Tenure on the panel is made permanent, which will allow those of us who serve there to develop the kind of expertise needed for the very intricate, sophisticated decisions that need to be made. It will also enable us to exert the kind of oversight necessary to make sure the executive branch carries out its functions in the way they need to be carried out. They also provide resources to the committee to discharge our duties. Currently, the resources are not available and I am afraid that too often the Intelligence Committee gives the appearance of exerting oversight without effective oversight in fact.”