Terri Sewell: “I stand in support of the Fiscal Year 2014 Intelligence Authorization Act. The annual authorization act is the most…”

“I stand in support of the Fiscal Year 2014 Intelligence Authorization Act. The annual authorization act is the most substantial oversight mechanism Congress has over the intelligence community. Most of the work within the intelligence community and our work on the Intelligence Committee happen behind closed doors and, therefore, far from the television cameras. Let me assure you, though, just because C-SPAN is not in the room when we have our regular meetings and hearings does not mean there is a lack of opinion, discussion, and debate. There is rigorous back and forth about the necessity and the necessary number of core contractors within the intelligence community, how to best exploit and preserve the documents from the Osama bin Laden raid, and the appropriate ways to respond to unauthorized public disclosure of covert actions. We ask hard questions in this committee of our witnesses. We read and study legal authorities for U.S. engagement around the world and ensure that the intelligence professionals tasked with protecting America not only have the tools they need to do their jobs, but are held accountable for their actions. Director Clapper said recently that ``at the heart of our work is our people.'' This bill makes some important changes in the workforce of the intelligence community.…”