Norman D. Dicks: “I rise in support of H.R. 1655, which authorizes funds for intelligence and intelligence-related activities for fiscal…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1655, which authorizes funds for intelligence and intelligence-related activities for fiscal year 1996. I want to begin by commending Chairman Combest for his leadership in bringing this measure to the floor and for the manner in which he has presided over the committee this year. He has been uniformly fair and has consistently sought to involve all members in all aspects of the committee's business. It has been a pleasure to serve with him and I look forward to our continued collaborative efforts, not only on this legislation, but on the other important work of the committee as well. At a time in history when the capability to provide information rapidly and reliably to our policymakers and military commanders is critical, the United States is fortunate to possess the world's preeminent intelligence system. Other nations envy the ability of our intelligence agencies to collect, produce, and disseminate intelligence useful for purposes as varied as determining our stance in diplomatic negotiations and reducing the threats faced by U.S. military personnel deployed in dangerous and rapidly changing crisis situations.”