Gabby Giffords: “Since 9/11, we have put an increased focus on tearing down boundaries to intel sharing and building networks that ensure…”

“Since 9/11, we have put an increased focus on tearing down boundaries to intel sharing and building networks that ensure critical information reaches decision makers. Information sharing on the battlefield saves lives and intelligence sharing along our border promotes national security. The longstanding barriers that built roadblocks between local law enforcement, Federal agencies and the Department of Defense are slowly crumbling. Critical information is beginning to flow but stovepipes remain. Each day in places all along the border, illegal immigrants are smuggling guns, drugs and people into the United States. And each day, the Border Patrol apprehends people here illegally from places like North Korea, Iran, and Syria. All along the border at military outposts charged with training our best and our brightest, ground forces and UAV pilots learn to identify targets, track movements and pass actionable intelligence. But stovepipes within the system continue to prevent some sharing of potentially crucial data. My amendment is focused on alleviating some of that urgent need for effective and efficient intelligence sharing.”